A revamp of the Culcairn Multipurpose Centre is expected to address the town's growing need for aged care services.
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The multi-million dollar plan will be unveiled in a community meeting at the centre at 5.30pm Wednesday.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District's rural group manager – Border Rosemary Garthwaite said the works would “future-proof” the facility.
“We have an increased need for aged care beds,” she said.
“The town is not increasing in number, but it does have an increasing aged population.
“There will be more aged care beds, but they will be flexible and can be moved over to inpatient care if they are needed there in the future.
“We will be trying to create a more home-like environment for aged patients.
“The acute care unit has also been looked at for increased services.”
Culcairn was one of 13 projects across NSW approved for funding from $300 million money pool for rural and remote communities.
A team at Murrumbidgee Local Health District, the hospital's operator, have been in the design phase since the announcement in January.
The aged care unit, Kiltearn House, will remain standing and the rest of the structure will be knocked down in stages and rebuilt.
Mrs Garthwaite said the meeting would be an opportunity for the community to ask questions before work began at the site.
“A lot of what we will talk about will be to help people understand that the way we deliver health services is changing,” she said.
“The focus will be more on the model of care rather than the building itself.
“During the build we will try not to affect other services too much.
“There will be times when things will be different, but we will inform the community along the way of what our plans are.”
The bigger service is expected to bring employment opportunities for tradesman in the building phase and health staff once it opens.
Acting nurse manager Neride Hodges said staff are looking forward to seeing the new plans.
“There is a sense of excitement about the proposed changes and in moving forward,” she said.
“I would absolutely encourage all other residents to attend the meeting.”
