Broken Hill Hospital in Australia has completed an A$12m ($7.98m) upgrade of its emergency department (ED) aimed at meeting the healthcare needs of communities in local areas.

The upgrade was carried out in three stages, with the final phase introducing a new main entry, reception space, interview and consult room, two treatment bays, a waiting room, and triage space.

This marks the conclusion of the broader redevelopment works for Broken Hill Health Services.

Local artists contributed artwork for the paediatric bay, interview room, and consult rooms, with the intention of fostering a supportive environment for visitors, patients and staff.

Permanent access arrangements are now in place for ED patients and visitors, with new signage installed. The changes include a dedicated round-the-clock external entrance accessible from the rear car park, and revised entry instructions for those arriving via Thomas Street.

The ED upgrade forms part of the New South Wales (NSW) government’s A$700m Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, which also delivered a new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Broken Hill Health Service.

Additionally, the community will benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation, delivered in the Far West Local Health District under the Minns Labor Government’s A$200.1m initiative.

This follows the completion of 20 new health worker units at Broken Hill Health Service earlier this year, aimed at supporting the recruitment and retention of essential healthcare staff in the region.

NSW health minister Ryan Park said: “We are committed to ensuring regional communities in NSW can access the care they need, when they need, closer to home.

“The upgrade will not only help ED staff deliver high-quality care but also ensure Broken Hill and surrounding communities have access to a first-class and modern health facility.”