A major milestone has been reached in the delivery of the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, with construction of the new seven-storey acute services building reaching its highest point.
This construction milestone comes as the John Hunter Hospital marks the completion of recruitment for Safe Staffing and the commencement of the body worn camera trial for security staff.
$835 million John Hunter Hospital Redevelopment
The $835 million investment in the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will increase the capacity to provide essential healthcare services to Newcastle, the greater Hunter region and northern NSW communities.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the new acute services building will deliver a 60 per cent increase in intensive care unit (ICU) capacity and almost 50 per cent more theatres.
The new clinical service building will deliver:
Safe Staffing Levels
John Hunter Hospital Emergency Department has completed the recruitment of approximately 48 FTE additional nurses to meet the Safe Staffing Level requirements.
It is the latest site in NSW to meet this milestone.
Body Worn Camera Trial
The Minns Labor Government’s 12-month trial of body worn cameras continues to be rolled out in selected hospitals.
John Hunter Hospital joins the week of 17 March, with the aim of improving safety for staff, patients and visitors.
A total of five hospitals across the state are now participating in the trial, which commenced at Royal North Shore Hospital in December 2024.
The trial will determine how effective the presence of the cameras is at deterring and de-escalating violent incidents and will be independently evaluated once completed.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“The Minns Labor Government is investing in health facilities and services to support our dedicated and hard-working health staff and communities in regional areas of the state.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to our essential healthcare workers, and I’m really proud safe staffing is now rolled out at John Hunter Hospital.
“The safety of our staff and patients is my number one priority as the Minister for Health, I look forward to the results of the body worn camera trial.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
“The Hunter is proud to be home to the state’s largest regional hospital and today’s milestone marks an important step in bringing the Hunter and surrounding communities the healthcare it deserves.
"This investment means we’re meeting the growing demand, as the Hunter transforms into one of the state’s top destinations to live, work, and play."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:
“John Hunter Hospital is important to Newcastle, Wallsend, and the wider Hunter region not just for healthcare but for teaching our next generation of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
“It’s been 35 years since the acute services building first opened, and it was in need of an upgrade, so this investment in the future of this very important hospital is very welcome.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison:
“The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is an important investment in the health of our region.
“Not only will there be more emergency beds, there will be crucial women’s services, including a birthing unit, day assessment unit and inpatient units, in a real boost to women’s health in the Hunter/Newcastle region.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:
“Not only will this benefit the region in the future, it’s also fantastic to hear that this will create 1,500 jobs in the Hunter.
“With more than 70 different trades on site, and an average of 700 workers on site each day, this project is having a positive impact for local families right now.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison:
“The whole of the Hunter is excited to be seeing this major new addition to the John Hunter Hospital taking shape.
“For many people across our community, the work done at this hospital is life changing and life saving and it’s great to see more of that work will be done in state of the art facilities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington:
"This investment in John Hunter Hospital means better healthcare for families across Port Stephens and the entire Hunter.
"Like so many mums across the Hunter, I had all my babies at the John Hunter Hospital, it's exciting that we're getting closer to delivering more services for more mums.
“More services, more capacity, and better emergency care will make a real difference for our growing community."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper:
“The expansion of facilities at John Hunter Hospital is essential to support our region's growing population.
“NSW Government investment in healthcare services in the greater Hunter region, including Lake Macquarie, is vital to help ensure everyone can conveniently access excellent medical care.”