Managing director Rod Crowfoot reports that most of the board’s current directors are ready to hand over the baton.

“In the coming 12 months we will be looking to recruit some new directors,” he said.

“We’ve got a skills matrix and are looking for some very specific skills that can help support the board going through construction phase but more so the operational phase.”

Mr Crowfoot confirmed a changing of the guard as construction of stage one of the patient and carer accommodation project got under way last week.

“Eventually, the majority of the current directors will stand down,” he said.

“Their role coming on to the board was not to run a business. Initially it was about providing some accommodation.

“We will bring the new board directors on and they will be the ones to support the services manager.

It will be a gentle transition over the next nine to 12 months.”

Mr Crowfoot confirmed that the number of directors on the board had fallen from eight to seven.

Conceived eight years ago, MHS will be an “affordable” accommodation option for people visiting Dubbo to receive treatment at its public hospital.

Its master plan has received development approval from Dubbo Regional Council.

A $3.3 million state government grant and community donations and sponsorships will pay for stage one for which construction has begun on 3.5 hectares of former Crown land in east Dubbo.

The doors to its 14 guest rooms, shared kitchen and common rooms, are expected to open in late 2018.

The construction of stage two and three, the latter earmarked for cancer patients, is reliant on future fundraising and the pursuit of grants.

Mr Crowfoot said in time a manager’s residence, reception and administration areas would be built on the MHS land, 800 metres from the hospital.