Health Services manager, Judy Ford, said that its not only the infrastructure itself that comes to the fore during the redevelopment.

“So much planning goes into designing and building a new hospital and we usually think of the practical things like access, floor plans, furniture and medical equipment,” she said.

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“But, there are lots of other things to consider as well, from landscaping and heritage through to colour schemes and the kind of art we’d like to see in the new building.

“The Mudgee Hospital Redevelopment will include existing and new works of art and on that subject we’d love to hear your thoughts.”

Factors to consider include; what should be the key artwork qualities, keeping patients, staff and visitors in mind; the priority places art should be located within the hospital; what motifs, textures, symbols, landmarks or themes might provide inspiration to make it unique to Mudgee; any interesting stories about the people and places in the Mudgee region that might provide artist inspiration.

Mudgee Health Council chair, John Bentley, said that having a local flavour to the facility is vital.

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“This is very important to the community and the Health Council believes that the community owns what the hospital looks like internally, particularly with the art,” he said.

“We’re very keen to make sure there’s a strong sense of what our community wants.”

Construction of the new building is scheduled to kick off early this year, pending approval by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

The $70-plus million Mudgee Hospital redevelopment will incorporate all hospital, community health and dental services into one building.