Today it is a picture but plans are now being worked to give it structure with bricks and mortar.

The release of the schematic design by member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead is a "first look at the exterior of the major redevelopment and what our community can expect on its completion."

Work will now continue on the detailed designs for the hospital.

"The next planning phase will involve the project team determining models of care and undergoing detailed design.

"This will involve deciding on details such as room fitouts, carpet and paint colours and the location of furniture and equipment," Mr Bromhead said.

The NSW government is also currently assessing the Manning Hospital redevelopment business case.

Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure recently endorsed the business case for the $20 million redevelopment and it is now with the NSW government for consideration.

The advice from Karen Kelly, executive director of Greater Metropolitan Health Services is a major milestone in the planning process required to enable works to begin.

The news comes 10 months after the initial announcement in May 2015 by Ms Kelly that HNELHD will work with Health Infrastructure to develop the business case to outline the priority services and facilities to be redeveloped.

At that time Ms Kelly flagged that planning would continue into 2016 "due to the detailed planning required for a redevelopment of this size."

Preparation of the business case involved the appointment of TSA Management, MBMO Architecture and Donald Cant Watts Corke and meetings with various clinical groups in Taree.

ainslee.dennis@fairfaxmedia.com.au