The redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital will include a significant increase in operating theatres, resulting in more timely treatment for residents, according to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
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Head of Orthopaedics Dr Mitchell Steele says the new theatres will be built to modern standards in size, equipment and technology which will last well into the future.
"There will be more access to fracture clinics - a 'one-stop shop' for patients with broken bones - with all their care in one location," he says.
"With an expansion of our theatres and clinics we hope to attract more surgeons with sub-specialities, and more junior doctors who will hopefully return to the region when they finish their training."
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After being in the planning stages for more than a decade, the Master Plan for the $438 million expansion of the Shoalhaven District Hospital was revealed recently with work on the project expected to begin early 2022.
The Project Master Plan provides details on key features of the redevelopment, including the new acute care services building which will connect to the existing hospital.
The existing site will undergo refurbishments to allow for new and expanded services.
According to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, the hospital is being developed to suit the region's growing and ageing population.
The Master Plan is said to guide the final design of the hospital and the scope of the new and expanded services, including a new Emergency Department, a new Intensive Care Unit, a new maternity clinic and Midwifery Group Practice and a new aged care ward with more beds and expanded outpatient clinics.
As part of the Master Plan the southern end of Nowra Park will be retained as greenspace, with the large blackbutt tree, which is significant to the community, to be kept.
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock welcomed the plans recently.
"Shoalhaven residents will have a significantly larger hospital precinct with enhanced health services close to home so they won't have to leave the region for the majority of their treatment and care," said Mrs Hancock.
"In addition to fantastic new facilities such as cardiology, mental health and aged care wards, more operating theatres and a new emergency department, there will also be greater access to more specialised staff, equipment and technology."
