The $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is on track with work underway on the new Acute Services Building, set to transform health care in the region.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin joined workers at a traditional sod turn ceremony today to mark the milestone for the seven-storey building.
Mr Hazzard said the $835 million John Hunter precinct is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure to 2025-26, with nearly a third going to regional and rural health facilities this financial year.
“The John Hunter precinct is one of dozens of health infrastructure projects across the state transforming health care by bringing the latest technology and most up-to-date research to the hospital bedside,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The precinct will be a centre of excellence, attracting the most skilled and experienced clinicians to work in outstanding facilities, ultimately improving health outcomes for local patients.
“The new Acute Services Building will provide a 60 per cent increase in Intensive Care Unit capacity and an almost 50 per cent increase in theatre capacity. Treatment spaces in the new emergency department will jump by almost 40 per cent.”
John Hunter Hospital is one of the largest trauma centres in the state and will meet the demand of the region for years to come with the region’s population predicted to increase by 22 per cent over the next 15 years.
The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will include these new facilities:
- Emergency department and more adult and paediatric critical care services;
- Birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit;
- Neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery;
- Rooftop helipad and more than 900 car spaces for staff and visitors; and
- Operating theatres, interventional and procedure spaces.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the redevelopment will help drive education and jobs for locals.
“This significant infrastructure project will create jobs for the community and provide a significant boost to the local economy during construction, with an expected 70 per cent of the work being delivered by businesses throughout the Hunter region,” Mr Martin said.
“On completion the health precinct will support research and innovation, bringing together health, education and research to drive employment opportunities in the region and improve health outcomes for our community.”
The enabling works, which include the relocation of services and roadworks, will set up the site up for main works construction, expected to commence before the end of the year. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Original content from NSW Health. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.
Nina Alvarez is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel. Her interests include writing, particularly about the healthcare sector and the many ways it can improve to further benefit people from all walks of life.
