Community consultation on future use options for the David Berry Hospital site has now commenced.

Phase one of consultation, the Have Your Say Survey, is now live and calls for input to ensure the facility continues to serve the local community once its role as a hospital is complete. The survey will be open until 21 October 2024.

When health services relocate to the redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital in 2026, the David Berry site will take on a new role with the help of the local community.

Guided by a Communication and Engagement Framework, people can have their say by sharing their views in the survey, and registering interest for further updates and to be involved in further consultation stages.

The feedback gathered during the survey phase will enable the development of more focussed discussions, working groups and other consultation.

The survey is available on the Have Your Say website. NSW Health will also promote the Have Your Say survey via the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District website and other social media platforms.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Illawarra & South Coast Ryan Park:

“Although no longer suitable for its original purpose, I’m committed to ensuring this 118-year-old site remains a valuable asset for the local community.

“For over a century, David Berry Hospital has played a significant role in health care for the area, the Have Your Say Survey will allow the community to provide meaningful consultation on the future of the site after its transition of services to Shoalhaven Hospital.”

Quotes attributable to Labor spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC:

“David Berry is a much-valued community service, and the Have Your Say Survey is a welcome step in consulting the community on the future use of the site.

“I encourage the community to engage with this survey, so we can ensure that their views are considered in our planning and decision-making.”

Quotes attributable to ISLHD Chief Executive Margot Mains:

“David Berry Hospital has been a significant part of the community for more than a century. As current caretakers of the facility, the Local Health District is keen to be involved in the consultation on future use options so we can be part of the transition to a new purpose for the site.

“I encourage locals, past and current staff, community groups, our Aboriginal community and others to provide their views to help shape the future of the site. We know there are particularly strong and emotive connections to David Berry Hospital, and it is important to enable everyone to have the opportunity to share their views."