The community has been provided with its first look at designs for the $438 million Shoalhaven District Hospital redevelopment showcasing the vision for the state-of-the-art health facility.
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NSW Health released new artist impressions of the hospital on Wednesday (March 30).
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is investing in a significant expansion of Shoalhaven Hospital, which will provide the local community with enhanced health services.
"In a major step forward for the redevelopment, new artist impressions have been unveiled revealing the design for the hospital precinct," Mr Hazzard said.
"It [the hospital redevelopment] will transform healthcare services for the Shoalhaven community and improve health outcomes."
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There had been a strong community campaign to have the redevelopment stopped and a new hospital built on a new more centralised greendfield site, but that proposal was laid to rest at a public meeting in May last year when the Illawarra Shoalhaven Health District said, after planning for the project in Nowra for more than a decade, the work would be starting in coming months.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital is about future proofing healthcare in the region.
"I'm excited to share the new artist impressions of the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment with the community and encourage everyone to provide feedback as we move forward with its delivery," she said.
"This major investment from the NSW Government marks a new era in healthcare for the South Coast."
A new acute services building connecting to the existing hospital, a rooftop helipad, and refurbishment of existing hospital buildings are just some of the highlights of the redevelopment.
The redevelopment will also provide new facilities including cardiology, mental health and aged care wards, more operating theatres and a new emergency department, and there will also be greater access to more specialised staff, equipment and technology.
"The NSW Government is also improving access to the hospital with alternate entry and drop off areas on Shoalhaven Street and off North Street," Ms Taylor said.
There will also be a new dedicated entrance for ambulances.
"The project team has been working closely with clinicians and key healthcare stakeholders and we're now encouraging the local community to provide their feedback which will inform the design of the project," she said.
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock, said the southern end of Nowra Park will be retained as greenspace for the local community to enjoy.
"Landscaped areas will also be established on the hospital's ground to create a welcoming space and enhanced experience for patients, staff and visitors," Mrs Hancock said.
A number of local community pop-up stalls will be taking place throughout the region, where members of the project team will be on site to answer any questions about the redevelopment.
The community pop-ups are scheduled for the following locations and times:
Shoalhaven Hospital, Wednesday, March 30, from 4pm-6pm.
Stockland Nowra, Thursday, March 31 from 10am-12noon.
Berry Mall (next to Berry Pharmacy), Thursday, March 31 from 2pm-4pm.
Ulladulla Shopping Centre, Friday, April 1 from 10am-12noon.
Vincentia Shopping Village, Friday, April 1 from 2pm-4pm.
Bunnings Nowra, Saturday, April 2 from 10am-12noon.
NSW Health says the Shoalhaven District Hospital will complement other health projects for the Illawarra Shoalhaven community, including $700 million for the new Shellharbour Hospital, and recently completed projects including $11.8 million for the new Shoalhaven Hospital multistorey car park, $37.1 million towards the Bulli Hospital, and the Dapto and Ulladulla HealthOne projects, delivered as part of the $100 million HealthOne program.
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