Construction of the $440 million Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment has reached its next milestone with a new MRI machine carefully craned into its new home.
The delivery of the MRI machine on Level one of the hospital's seven-storey acute services building marks a major step forward in the delivery of a new medical imaging service and expanded diagnostic facilities as part of the Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment, which will become a health hub for the region.
The former Coalition government failed to properly fund health facilities across NSW, leaving the health system under extreme pressure.
The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities.
When fully operational, the hospital's first-ever MRI service will provide enhanced diagnostic services for a wider range of patients closer to home, including those requiring breast imaging, biopsy services, and cardiac imaging.
The new MRI will commence service when the new Acute Service Building opens in mid-2026.
Once complete, the redevelopment will provide the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, sub-acute and non-admitted health services locally, reducing the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.
The new acute services building will directly connect to the existing hospital and deliver a range of new and expanded health services including:
- A new emergency department and emergency short-stay unit
- New intensive care unit
- Medical wards
- Dedicated acute mental health unit
- Double the number of operating theatres, endoscopy and procedure rooms
- A dedicated cardiology inpatient unit, coronary care unit and cardiac catheterisation laboratory
- A new rooftop helipad
Consultation with staff, patients and the community has been a key part of planning and design for the redevelopment, ensuring the new hospital meets the unique health needs of the Shoalhaven region.
The new hospital building is on track for completion in mid-2026.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering 32 new and upgraded hospitals across NSW, investing in the health facilities growing communities like the Illawarra need.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The delivery of the new MRI machine is a key step in providing a much needed enhancement to services for the local community as part of the $440 million Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment.
"The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of more patients in our growing communities.
"This includes more than $1 billion in health infrastructure investment across the Illawarra region - including Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Wollongong, Warrawong and Milton Ulladulla."
Quote attributable to Member for South Coast Liza Butler:
"I was thrilled to see the MRI machine lifted into place at Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital as this milestone reflects the progress we are making on the Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital redevelopment."
"For too long, our region was left without the infrastructure it needs. We are turning that around by investing in modern facilities and expanding essential services to ensure that our community can access the diagnostic services they need closer to home."
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening our health system to deliver real tangible improvements to healthcare for our community."
"This redevelopment will transform Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital into a true health hub, providing more comprehensive care for our growing community now and into the future."
Quote attributable to Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:
"Having access to this vital diagnostic tool in the Shoalhaven will be a game changer for our electorate.
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering modern hospitals in our regional communities, ensuring we get access to best care closer to home.
"Importantly our government is also investing in the staff we need to deliver new expanded services at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital when it open later this year."
