An expanded emergency department, new medical short stay unit and a neurology research facility are key parts of the redeveloped Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, which was officially opened today.
The new building completed by the Minns Labor Government as part of the $658 million Sydney Children's Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre project, which includes $100 million from the Albanese Government.
The new bigger ED has been designed to support the complexity of care staff deliver while offering greater privacy and comfort to patients and their families during often difficult circumstances. The ED is positioned close to critical care, imaging and specialist services, strengthening the hospital's ability to respond to complex and time‑sensitive presentations.
In addition to the larger ED there are a series of new and expanded paediatric services at Randwick which include;
- an enhanced children's intensive care unit
- a new medical short‑stay unit
- inpatient units for medical, surgical and sleep study services
- a day oncology centre, inpatient oncology units and a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit
- a new children's hospital pharmacy
- co-located Children's Cancer Institute laboratories to support the Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre, a combined research and treatment facility for childhood cancer
- Neuroscience Ambulatory and Research Centre, which provides specialist services to children with a range of neurological conditions
- KidsHQ: a 24/7 virtual care centre which connects patients and their families from right across NSW with their health professional without needing to leave their home
- education, training and clinical simulation facilities.
Families now also have access to private, single-patient bedrooms, which also includes a bed for a parent or carer to stay with the child. There are also more welcoming spaces for families to play, rest, prepare meals and take a break from clinical areas.
The Sydney Children's Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre project is part of a more than $1.5 billion investment into the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, strengthening partnerships in health, education and research. Significant philanthropic contributions were made to the project through the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.
Work at Randwick is in addition to the $659.1 million Children's Hospital Westmead Stage 2 Redevelopment, with construction recently completed on a new 14-storey building featuring dedicated paediatric and neonatal intensive care units spanning two floors.
These projects are part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to deliver 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 additional beds and treatment places across NSW, rebuilding essential health infrastructure after years of under-investment.
The Minns Labor Government is backing the commitment with real investment in staff, hospitals and beds, including:
- rolling out Safe Staffing Levels in emergency departments, with more than 720 FTE nurses recruited statewide
- delivering a new Rouse Hill Hospital with emergency and birthing services
- delivering a new Bankstown Hospital
- adding more beds at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals.
Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns:
"This is an extraordinary milestone for the healthcare of children, young people and families across the state.
"Randwick is one of our major children's healthcare centres and we're expecting thousands of patients to be treated at this new facility each year.
"From the expanded Emergency Department, the combined cancer treatment and research facility, this specialist centre is about giving every child the best possible care."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"This new building represents a new era of paediatric care and families will see the difference the moment they walk through the doors.
"This new 12-storey hospital building will support families from every corner of New South Wales. From the coast to the country, from metro to remote, no matter the postcode we're committed to delivering the very best care.
"We are getting on with the job by delivering more hospitals, more beds and more services to ensure patients and their families receive the care they need, when they need it."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler:
"Infants and children have special needs, and the new building at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick is a tremendous advance for paediatric medicine.
"In particular, the Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre which was part-funded by the Albanese Government will change the face of paediatric cancer care in New South Wales.
"Combining world-leading clinical care with ground-breaking research and education, it will offer hope not only for today's patients but for an end to childhood cancer in the future."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Kingsford-Smith Matt Thistlethwaite:
"This is a huge moment for families across our community. The new building gives children in the eastern suburbs access to world class care, backed by significant investment from the Albanese Labor Government.
"Delivering this project ensures local kids can get the care they need close to home."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Coogee Marjorie O'Neill:
"Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick is home to some of the most talented and dedicated healthcare professionals in the state, and it's fantastic to see they are now equipped with state‑of‑the‑art facilities that match their skill and commitment to patient care.
"I want to thank the hundreds of families and staff who helped shape this facility that will make a real and lasting difference for generations to come."
