Health services across the Shoalhaven region are set to be transformed with construction now underway on the $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment.
Health Minister Ryan Park was today joined by Member for the South Coast Liza Butler to mark the major milestone with a sod turning at the site, where construction of a new state-of-the-art seven-storey acute clinical services building has begun.
"The Shoalhaven community is a step closer to having access to an expanded range of world-class health services right on their doorstep," Mr Park said.
"When complete, the redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital will provide the majority of emergency, critical and acute care locally, so that fewer patients will need to be transferred to hospitals in Wollongong and Sydney.
"This major redevelopment will provide an enhanced experience for patients, visitors and staff, and will ensure the local community will receive vital health care closer to home."
John Holland has been engaged as the builder for the hospital expansion, which will deliver a new acute clinical services building, including:
- a new emergency department with an emergency short-stay unit to improve the flow of patients and reduce waiting times
- a new state-of-the-art intensive care unit
- double the number of operating theatres and endoscopy rooms
- a dedicated cardiology inpatient unit
- a new rooftop helipad providing direct access to the emergency department and intensive care unit.
It will also include a new psychiatric emergency care centre as well as a mental health inpatient unit, which will provide support to the most vulnerable members of our community.
The existing hospital will also be refurbished following completion of the new building.
Liza Butler said clinicians, staff and the community have all been engaged in the planning and design of the redevelopment, which is expected to support around 800 direct jobs during construction, with the potential to support thousands of indirect jobs over the life of the project.
"Beyond the improved health benefits, this major infrastrcture project will also help drive education and job opportunities throughout construction, providing a huge boost for the local economy," Mrs Butler said.
The start of construction followed the recent approval of the State Significant Development Application.
To facilitate work, site fencing is being established around the perimeter of the existing green space, the former Nowra Park, including the playground and blackbutt tree.
The hospital's helipad services have been temporarily relocated to HMAS Albatross and will continue to operate throughout construction. The Rural Fire Service helipad at Albatross Road will then be used for the remainder of construction.
"We thank the community for their patience while we work to build the new hospital," Mr Park said.
Work on the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment commenced last year, with construction well underway on the new and expanded Shoalhaven Community Preschool, which is being relocated to a purpose-built facility at the southern end of the hospital campus.
Construction of the new acute clinical services building is expected to be completed in 2026. For more information, visit Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital Redevelopment .
