It is an exciting and complex planning project that provides opportunity to plan for and deliver improved health services across the broad spectrum of health care, and covers the local government areas of Cessnock Maitland, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter.

A discussion paper issued last week said it is likely the planning process will recommend a reconfiguration of services and include a new hospital for the Hunter Valley.

A map accompanying the discussion paper takes in areas of Cessnock City bounded by Heddon Greta, Sawyers Gully, Allandale and East Branxton.

The new hospital would be a rural referral hospital providing a comprehensive range of acute services and supporting network of Hunter Valley hospitals. Expressions of interest will be sought from landowners in the Lower Hunter between Metford and Branxton who wish to nominate available land that may be suitable for a new hospital.

The land must meet the minimum criteria of having a usable, appropriate site within the preferred location, a site of between about six and 20 hectares and in an area not known to be in an area subject to flooding.

Expressions of interest will close on January 25.