The NSW Government has announced Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital will be redeveloped to significantly improve healthcare services for residents of the South Coast.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward, made the announcement at the hospital today.
“This $434 million investment in Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital is the result of the strong advocacy of local members Shelley and Gareth. I am proud to announce today that this record health investment for the region will now go-ahead,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have a record hospital rebuilding program where we are creating world class hospitals and creating thousands of construction jobs across NSW.
“This incredible investment is only possible because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals.”
The redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital will see significant community benefits which are likely to include:
Mrs Hancock said the $434 million investment will deliver new and upgraded health facilities so residents on the South Coast no longer have to travel for some services.
“It’s very important that we continue to invest in our regional hospitals to ensure patients can receive high quality health care closer to where they live,” Mrs Hancock said.
Mr Ward added: “Shoalhaven Hospital is my local hospital. I make no apologies for fighting hard for the unprecedented investment for our patients, doctors, nurses and staff.
Shoalhaven Hospital is no longer a ‘cottage hospital’ and this investment will future-proof our region.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said planning for the new facility was announced in the recent budget, so the district is well advanced in determining the range of health services needed as part of the redevelopment.
“We want to ensure this facility and its staff can continue to deliver first-class care for patients well into the future.”
Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said the NSW Government is committed to providing better access to mental health care.
“It’s crucially important to see mental health services integrated into modern hospital developments as part of NSW Health’s core business, which is why I am so pleased as part of this $434 redevelopment, mental health facilities will be expanded,” Mrs Davies said.
The redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital is in addition to the NSW Government’s $251 million commitment to rebuild Shellharbour Hospital.