A major building program will commence shortly that ensures Kanandah is perfectly placed to provide the highest quality of aged care services.

Since the beginning of 2019, the Board of Directors and senior staff have considered and planned for the construction of a new wing of hostel style accommodation.

The design settled on and approved by the Mid-Western Regional Council incorporates 11 new resident rooms, nurses station, dining area and storerooms which will be complemented by an internal courtyard Japanese style garden.

One of the rooms will be specifically designed for use as an isolation room should the need arise in the future.

As the only facility in Mudgee that is owned and operated by locals, the decision to undergo construction was agreed upon by volunteer directors and senior staff who reside in the area.

The board weighed up community needs, financial considerations, staffing possibilities and the long term direction of Kanandah.

"A modern building and beautiful gardens are just part of the reason our residents choose to make Kanandah their home," Chairman Kanandah Board of Directors, Steve Jones said.

"Kanandah has an outstanding reputation for delivering exceptional services to the aged members of our community.

"It is the professional, dedicated and caring staff that make the real difference in the daily lives of those in our care."

Each resident will enjoy the privacy of their own generously-sized room, decorated to their tastes, which will be equipped with the latest technology to enhance the safety and comfort of the resident.

Construction is anticipated to commence in November with the new building ready for occupation in June or July 2022.

"As Kanandah has expanded, we have always tried to include beautiful outdoor areas to complement our modern and spacious individual resident rooms," Kanandah Administrator, Sue Pearce said.

"I am particularly pleased that this new wing will include another stunning garden, accessible to everyone in the facility. Kanandah's Wattle Café and welcoming gardens add another important dimension to the lives of our residents and their families."

Along with the new wing, the construction program will also involve an upgrade of Kanandah's fire safety system.

The board decided that now is the time to ensure residents and staff are supported by the latest technology for internal communication within the facility.

Technicians are currently working in Kanandah to entirely replace the existing nurse call system with the most modern equipment available.

The new system will be sensitive to resident and staff needs and comes with a range of features to help residents remain safe and receive the care they need in the shortest possible time.

"Our new building, nurse call system and fire safety upgrade will ensure that Mudgee residents have access to the most modern facilities in the nation and place Kanandah at the forefront of aged care facilities in the nation," Mr Jones said.

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