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The building that became the original Hawkesbury Hospital in Windsor started its life as convict barracks built in 1820 and was converted into a convict hospital in 1823 making the health institution 203 years old.
And it’s been one year since the public private partnership model that operated from 1996 to 2023 ended and Hawkesbury District Hospital became a public health institution again joining Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and the NSW public health system.
In that short space of time the transformation of services has been remarkable. From upgraded technology to enhanced patient care, the hospital is thriving.
The dedicated teams, from frontline clinicians to hospital management and corporate services, have tirelessly implemented essential system changes, laying the groundwork for significant growth and the ongoing evolution of healthcare in the Hawkesbury region.
At the heart of every decision has been patient care, and the community's incredible acceptance and patience during this operational transition period has not gone unnoticed by staff.
Christine Colusso-Craig, Allied Health and Outpatient Manager says the past few months have been monumental.
“The amount of change that has taken place cannot be underestimated. I think the staff have shown significant tenacity and resilience to work through all that has been asked of them,” says Christine.
Jessie Albert, Acting Clinical Midwifery Educator echoes this sentiment.
“There has been a lot of change, and that can always come with some form of discomfort, however I do think that the team at Hawkesbury District Hospital has done an exceptional job and maintained a positive attitude throughout,” says Jessie.
“Looking towards the future, specifically for maternity, I'm passionate about delivering models of care that are deeply focused on continuity of care, trauma informed, and women centred.”
A major part of upgrades to Hawkesbury District Hospital involved its ICT infrastructure, with critical updates to software and technology allowing the hospital to connect with its peers across the entire NSW Health network. This has ensured faster access to patient records, streamlined referrals, and improved communication, all contributing to more efficient and safer care.
As she concludes her reflections, Christine Colusso-Craig expresses her hope that Hawkesbury District Hospital will carve out its own distinct identity within the District by consistently providing the best possible clinical care.
"I've learned that this team is an incredible group of people who will do whatever it takes to support the overall district plan, but also to meet the growing and changing needs of the people living in the Hawkesbury region," she affirms.
Hawkesbury District Hospital continues its collaborative work with the Local Health District and other parts of NSW Health to fully integrate the facility. With a long and proud history, the hospital now looks forward to an equally exciting future, propelled by its dedicated staff and their unwavering commitment to the patients of the Hawkesbury.
Information in this article was sourced from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District media release.
