Detailed planning works on upgrades to the existing Wollongong Hospital are underway, as well as master planning for a future redevelopment, with a specialist design team appointed to the project.
The appointment is part of a $21.9 million investment from the Minns Labor Government to enhance health services and infrastructure at Wollongong Hospital.
The design team will work closely with Health Infrastructure and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District over the coming months to determine key clinical service priorities as part of the detailed master planning, which will deliver the upgrades as well as enable a future redevelopment of Wollongong Hospital.
Consultation with staff, clinicians and the community will continue throughout this year to ensure their valuable input and feedback shapes these upgrades and future planning for the Wollongong Hospital.
The project scope and construction timeframes will be determined as planning and design progresses. Staff, stakeholders and the community will be kept informed and consulted as the project progresses.
The Minns Labor Government is also delivering the more than $780 million new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Servies project, which also includes building the new Warrawong Community Health Centre. In addition, the $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is currently well into its construction. These significant investments in vital health services throughout the Illawarra and South Coast will in many instances reduce the need to transfer patients to Sydney.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park:
"The NSW Government is committed to investing in health infrastructure across the Illawarra and South Coast, to deliver better health services and outcomes for our local communities now and into the future.
"It's been decades since major works have been undertaken at Wollongong Hospital, and the appointment of a planning and design team means we can start to visualise how the future expansion of the region's largest hospital might look and how critical upgrades will enhance health services."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
"Making sure our health facilities can meet the needs of the growing community with changing health needs involves in-depth planning and consultation, so the appointment of a project manager, architect, and cost manager is an important milestone in the delivery of upgrades and facility master planning for Wollongong Hospital.
"The redevelopment of Wollongong Hospital is important to Wollongong and surrounding communities, by improving and boosting the services available, the health system can keep up with growing community needs and demand."
