New air conditioning will improve comfort at Inverell Hospital

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay welcomed confirmation this week that new air conditioning units planned for Inverell Hospital are expected to be delivered in coming weeks.
Mr Torbay said the upgrade will provide additional comfort to patients, staff and visitors just in time for the warmest part of the year.
"Hunter New England (HNE) Health allocated funding from the annual budget for this project which is expected to cost around $100,000 with installation to commence in coming weeks," Mr Torbay said. "It will be a welcome improvement at the hospital, particularly as we approach the warmest part of the year.
"Over the Christmas and New Year break I was contacted by a number of constituents who reported that the conditions in the hospital were oppressive due to breakdowns in the air conditioning in the wards.
"I understand that the current air conditioning units are becoming unreliable as they age, requiring additional and costly maintenance and the new units are a timely investment to overcome these problems.
"While new air conditioning may be regarded by some people as not being as important as other needs, it is vital that patients and staff are kept as comfortable as possible and not left to swelter and freeze unnecessarily."
Community consultation meetings led by HNE Health were held last year to develop a Clinical Services Plan for the Inverell, Glen Innes and Tenterfield health services. Mr Torbay said he will continue to work with the community to secure the appropriate services and infrastructure.
"With the new Parliamentary year set to get underway on 14 February, I am fully committed to continuing the good work started last year by HNE Health and community groups for improved health services," Mr Torbay said.
"The enthusiasm shown by all participants in the series of community forums late last year is a good indication that HNE Health, the community and other stakeholders are willing to pull together to secure better health services for our region."