The project involved installing a new floor in the operating theatre, replacing the air-conditioning, new fixtures, fittings, lighting and paint throughout, and new storage for sterile stock.

The staff kitchen and changerooms were upgraded and asbestos was removed from the area.

The project ran from November to March and theatre staff and procedures were transferred to Cessnock Hospital during that time.

An average of 208 procedures a month are conducted at Kurri Kurri Hospitals operating theatre, including ophthalmology (which accounts for about 90 percent of the operations), ear, nose and throat and general surgery.

Site nurse manager Vanessa Fellows said the refurbishment was a huge project, with great benefits for the patients, and the staff who work in those areas.

It was a really positive project, she said.

The team is now back on site, with improved working conditions.

Everything is contained in one work station, meaning everything is at the clinicians fingertips.

The hospitals emergency department was also recently refurbished, with new fixtures, fittings and paint among the scope of works.