The NSW Government is investing an additional $4 million to fast-track the redevelopment of Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital.
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Health minister Brad Hazzard said the funding boost will bring the total spend for the project to $438 million, which will also support the acquisition of nearby Nowra Park.
"The NSW Government is committed to investing in regional hospitals to ensure patients receive high-quality healthcare closer to home," Mr Hazzard said.
"The land acquisition of Nowra Park is necessary to provide for the expansion of clincial services at Shoalhaven Hospital."
The existing hospital site with expansion into the adjacent Nowra Park has been identified as the best solution for the redeveloped hospital.
Clinical services planning is already well underway to identify the range of health services the Illawarra Shoalhaven community will require into the future.
The additional funding will allow planning activities to progress including:
- Detailed site investigations, including in-ground investigations;
- Enabling works, including services diversion and potential in-ground works; and
- Design works for the redevelopment, including clinical design.
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock released new artist impressions and said residents will benefit from the hospital expansion, with new and upgraded health facilities to be delivered sooner.
"Additionally, as we can see in these stunning images, the completed hospital will return green space back to the community, with an inclusive playground a key component of the park," she said.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward was pleased work can get underway on the expanded hospital as soon as possible.
"With the ongoing investments we have already put into the Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, this is the next big step after the completion of the $11.8 million hospital car park project this year," Mr Ward said.
Construction will start on the redeveloped hospital before March 2023.
Mr Ward said the hospital redevelopment is one of 29 health projects announced before the 2019 election and is a part of the NSW Government's record $10.7 billion investment in health infrastructure over the next four years.
He said in the Illawarra Shoalhaven, other health projects include $700 million for a new Shellharbour Hospital, $37.1 million towards the Bulli Hospital and Aged Care Centre, and the Dapto and Ulladulla HealthOne projects, delivered as part of the $100 million HealthOne program.
