Dubbo Hospital will soon become one of the first hospitals in the state to be equipped with digital operating theatres as construction continues on the redevelopment.
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The six new operating theatres are part of the $91.3 million Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment Stages One and Two.
The theatres will feature multiple touch screens, closed-circuit video streaming, live overhead cameras, integrated digital communications and the latest equipment.
Acting general manager Jenny Johnson said the world-class digital operating theatres would be only the second built in NSW
"It's a streamlined, all-digital video and display system. It can be customised to your needs for all the different specialties," Ms Johnson said.
"Everything can be seen on the TV screens both in the theatre and remotely. So, say a specialist from a tertiary referral hospital can view it and give advice, or it can be used for teaching purposes at the university."
Ms Johnson said the theatre manager could also use the digital system to monitor when theatres were available.
As well as the new operating theatres, the redevelopment will also include an inpatient ward and birthing suite for maternity services, a specialised sterilising department, and a day-only and extended day-only ward for surgical services.
Ms Johnson said the redevelopment was already having an impact.
"Our maternity unit here, worldwide really, and especially in rural areas are always understaffed... but at the moment our maternity unit is fully staffed for the first time in years," she said.
"I'm sure that a lot of it is coming from the excitement over the new building. You can see that it's attracting new staff."
Ms Johnson said the redevelopment was also increasing the levels of retention among the current staff, who were excited to see the progress.
"There never seemed to be enough parking before and during the first stage of development there was even less. Everyone took it in their stride, knowing a bit of pain was going to be worth it in the long run."
Ms Johnson said at this stage the first two stages should be finished by late 2015.
"There's been no date set but we're well on track to move into it by the end of the year," she said.
Planning for Stages Three and Four of the redevelopment is in progress.
