Wollongong Hospital is continuing to increase capacity to care for the Illawarra community, with expansion underway as part of enabling works for the more than $700 million New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project.

Premier Chris Minns was joined by Minister for Health Ryan Park, today to inspect progress on a refurbished inpatient ward at Wollongong Hospital, construction of a new rehabilitation gymnasium and refurbished rehabilitation ward that will better support patients with complex care needs.

“It is fantastic to see major development work underway, which will improve access to healthcare services for the local community now and well into the future,” Mr Minns said.

Mr Park said the expansion works at Wollongong will increase the hospital’s bed capacity and allow for greater flexibility within wards.

“I know that Wollongong Hospital has been under sustained pressure. That is why I am delighted to see these works progressing, particularly the new inpatient wards,” Mr Park said.'

To better align health services, the works have also included relocating Wollongong’s Cardiology Unit to a new area closer to the Hospital’s Cardiac Diagnostic Centre, where an additional four recovery bays have been added for patients undergoing cardiology testing.

In addition, staff have seen the benefits of other upgrades at Wollongong, with a number of outdoor respite zones created, as well as a refreshed staff cafeteria and indoor break spaces for staff.

“It has been a particularly difficult few years for our healthcare workers, and the value of taking a break in the fresh air has never been more important. The upgrades to staff amenities not only at Wollongong, but right across the district, are very pleasing to see,” Mr Park said.

“This work enables the district to ensure our patients are treated in modern and fit-for-purpose health facilities,” Mr Park said.