Main works construction for the $283.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment is officially underway, marking a significant step forward in delivering new and enhanced health services for Grafton and surrounding communities.
Health staff from Grafton Base Hospital, along with stakeholders and members of the community, will today join project team members to officially 'turn the sod' and celebrate the major construction milestone.
The NSW Government is investing in a major redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital, which will deliver modern, purpose-built and enhanced health services, including a new multi-storey acute services building.
The redevelopment was recently boosted by an additional $20 million as part of the Minns Labor Government's 2026-27 NSW Budget to enhance maternity services, including a purpose-built maternity unit with dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation.
The new acute services building will include:
- operating theatre suite
- an emergency department
- emergency short stay unit
- medical imaging and MRI
- inpatient unit
- maternity unit.
As part of the project's final scope, the expanded operating theatre suite will be located within the new acute services building. The revised approach will deliver contemporary operating theatres to meet current and future surgical demand and will minimise disruption to patients and staff during construction.
The redevelopment will also deliver welcoming outdoor courtyards, improved ambulance access via Queen Street and additional parking, improving access and connectivity across the hospital campus for patients, visitors and staff.
A significant program of enabling works has recently been completed to prepare the site for main construction works. This includes the refurbishment of a hospital building and two administration buildings within the former Grafton Gaol precinct, creating the new Administration and Workforce Development Precinct. The precinct provides contemporary administration, office and training facilities to support hospital and District staff.
All hospital services will continue to operate during construction to ensure uninterrupted care for the community. Measures are also in place to support onsite parking during construction.
To facilitate construction, the Specialist Outpatient Clinics have relocated to a refurbished building near the hospital's main entrance, ensuring continuity of care and improved access for patients.
Consultation with staff, community and stakeholders will continue throughout the project to help ensure the new facilities provide a welcoming environment that reflects the heritage and culture of the region.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $11.9 billion to deliver more beds and expanded services across 32 new or upgraded health facilities in NSW as part of the 2026-27 budget. This includes nearly $3 billion over four years for hospitals across regional NSW.
For more information, visit the project website: Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"Ensuring rural and regional communities have access to world-class health facilities is a key priority for the Minns Government. That's why we are delivering more beds, more hospitals, and more staff to deliver better health services across the state.
"This is a significant milestone for Grafton and surrounding communities, bringing new and enhanced healthcare facilities a step closer.
"The $283.8 million Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment will transform healthcare for the region, ensuring we can continue to deliver the care people rely on now and into the future."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin:
"The start of main construction works on the $283.8 million Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment is a significant milestone for our local North Coast communities.
"What's great is the local communities, and our health staff have help shaped these state-of-the-art facilities, have helped ensure the new hospital delivers the exact care our region needs.
"With an expanded emergency department, modern operating suites, and upgraded maternity care, this investment gives patients across Grafton and the Clarence Valley access to first-class healthcare right here close to home."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:
"The Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment will enhance the health care services for the region, ensuring people are able to access world-class care closer to home.
"This project has been shaped by valuable feedback and input from staff, stakeholders and the community, and we'll continue to work with the local community as construction for the project progresses."
