The $438 million redevelopment of Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital is taking another major step forward, with work commencing to remove tonnes of scaffolding from the newly constructed acute services building.
The community will also notice a name change as scaffold removal begins to unveil the building's façade. Once the redevelopment is complete, the facility will officially be known as Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital.
The new name honours the area's important history and ongoing links with the Australian Defence Force and aligns with more contemporary hospital naming conventions.
The new acute services building will 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.
The Minns Labor Government is also investing $21 million in key health worker accommodation in Nowra, as part of the broader $200.1 million program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
"Established in the 1950s, Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital was originally a small facility serving a community of around 6,000 people.
"Its growth over the years, and the existing redevelopment project, will see the hospital transition into a major heath hub for the region. There will be a significant expansion of clinical services, upgrades to many specialties, and it will be a key teaching and training centre.
"To better reflect this status, staff felt the hospital name should also evolve."
Quotes attributable to Member for the South Coast, Liza Butler:
"It's incredible to see how construction has moved on this project, which is critical for the region.
"A brand new facility, coupled with our $21 million investment in Key Health Worker Accommodation for Nowra will be a major drawcard for healthcare staff."
"This as an important opportunity to help attract and recruit specialist clinicians and other healthcare professionals to the area."
For more information on the redevelopment, visit Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital Redevelopment
