Work is set to begin on the replacement of two critical infrastructure assets at Maclean District Hospital.
The upgrade of the hospital's internal lift and electronic nurse call system are being undertaken simultaneously thanks to $1.6 million in funding announced by the Minns Labor Government in September 2025.
Significant planning has been undertaken to ensure the works can be completed as quickly as possible, while minimising any inconvenience to our patients, visitors and staff.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring communities across NSW have access to world-class health care, after more than a decade of chronic underfunding by the former Coalition Government.
A new $600,000 lift will replace the existing 30-year-old lift machinery which is due for replacement.
Work to decommission the old lift and install the new equipment will take place over a three-month period, scheduled to begin on Saturday 23 May 2026.
Northern NSW Local Health District will simultaneously begin the installation of a new state-of-the-art, $1 million electronic nurse call system throughout Maclean District Hospital and community health campus.
To maintain patient, staff and visitor safety throughout the works, temporary changes to hospital services will be required, including facility access points and temporary ward changes.
Patients on the Acute Care ward on Level two will be temporarily relocated to Level one the week before works starts.
Access to Level one will be via the stairwell or via the external covered and accessible walkway between ground level and the community health building.
Patients on the Rehabilitation Ward on Level one will also be temporarily relocated to Ballina District Hospital's Rehabilitation Unit.
While level two is vacant, NNSWLHD will undertake additional general maintenance, including repainting ward areas.
Patients will return to both wards once works are complete.
Patients, staff and visitors are asked to please follow all work site directions to ensure public safety is maintained.
Across NSW, the Minns Labor Government is delivering 32 new or upgraded hospitals and making record investments to deliver the health services communities need.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"The $1.6 million upgrade to Maclean District Hospital demonstrates the Minns Government's ongoing commitment to supporting regional health services.
"Essential infrastructure, like an upgraded lift and modern nurse call system, are critical to the day-to-day delivery of safe, high-quality health care to our community and will make a real difference to both our patients and staff at the hospital.
"Investments in new infrastructure ensure staff have the tools and facilities they need to provide excellent care for the communities in Northern NSW."
Quotes attributable to Labor spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal MLC:
"The Minns Government is getting the health system back on track, investing in regional health facilities after more than a decade of underfunding by the previous government.
"These upgrades mean staff will have access to the infrastructure and systems they need to continue delivering world-class health care to the community.
"This is good for staff and good for patients."
Quotes attributable to NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey:
"The new lift and the new nurse call system will ensure better functionality across the site and support timely communication between patients and nursing staff, enhancing patient safety and care.
"I want to thank our staff, patients and visitors for their patience and understanding while we undertake these important and essential upgrades."
