As part of COVID-19 preparations, the Mudgee Hospital will be setting up a specially-designed emergency area to accommodate people who require screening for COVID-19 or who require emergency interventions or stabilisation.

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Mudgee Health Service Manager, Caren Harrison said the changes were essential to keep patients separated.

"The temporary area was needed because the current design of the Mudgee Hospital Emergency Department makes it difficult to keep patients separated. This area reduces the risk of transmission between patients when procedures are being undertaken," she said.

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"The area is a temporary structure, that is specially designed as an emergency intervention and screening facility. It is secure, and is a temporary part of our response so that we can provide really good care for people who have, or are suspected to have, a COVID-19 infection.

"In the coming months we will transition this service into the new hospital, but for now it's a safe and effective temporary facility for us to use if we need.

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"It is important in any hospital setting for people who have COVID-19 to be treated in a different area, if we possibly can, to help keep staff and other patients safe."

The temporary structure is currently being established on-site and will be put into use as soon as the as the required equipment is installed.

Commissioning of the new hospital at Mudgee has been brought forward and is expected to occur in late May.

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