02 October 2020

​The concept design for the new, seven-storey Acute Services Building for John Hunter and John Hunter’s Children’s hospitals has been unveiled, marking a milestone for the NSW Government’s $780 million health precinct.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct would drive significant economic growth in the Greater Newcastle region, generating jobs in construction and health.

“John Hunter hospital is one of the busiest hospitals in NSW and this investment will provide enhanced health facilities ensuring the region has a world-class hospital to cater to its growing population,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Construction of the precinct will support more than 3,000 jobs over the life of the project helping stimulate the economy, a key component of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the redevelopment will significantly increase critical care capacity, with a 60 per cent increase in the Intensive Care Unit capacity and almost 50 per cent more theatres, interventional suites and procedural spaces.

“The Precinct will drive innovative collaborations between the health, education and research sectors, ultimately improving patient outcomes for communities in the Hunter region,” Mr Hazzard said.

The new Acute Services Building will include:

  • a new emergency department
  • critical care services (adult and paediatric)
  • operating theatres, interventional and imaging services
  • birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit
  • neonatal intensive care and special care nursery
  • larger and redeveloped inpatient units and
  • rooftop helipad.

Stage 1 of an interim Emergency Department expansion has also been completed early as part of NSW Government’s COVID-19 response.

“I’m also pleased the Emergency Department expansion was delivered five months ahead of schedule, providing an additional 12 dedicated paediatric treatment areas and additional capacity to deal with the pandemic, with Stage 2 scheduled for completion early next year,” Mr Hazzard said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack, said the new Acute Services Building will serve the Hunter region for many years to come.

“This is a great opportunity to share the future vision of the Precinct, which will transform health care in the Hunter, bringing expanded, enhanced health services closer to home,” Ms Cusack said.

Early works on the new Acute Services Building are expected to commence in 2021 with main works construction scheduled to commence in 2022.