The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment has reached another milestone with the removal of 'Jane the Crane,' the second and final tower crane used to support the project.
The $440 million redevelopment includes the construction of a new seven-storey acute services building that will deliver modern and expanded hospital services for the Shoalhaven community.
The departure of the 60-metre crane marks the end of major structural works for the new acute services building and paves the way for the internal fit-out to progress.
'Jane the Crane,' which was named by local student Jack Bartlett from Pleasant Heights Primary School, has done the heavy lifting and played a vital role to support construction for the redevelopment.
Since its arrival just over 12 months ago, 'Jane' has worked more than 4,120 hours and lifted more than 25,000 loads, including one weighing 10 tonnes.
With external scaffolding now being removed, the hospital's new façade is visible to the community, which features the signage of the hospital's new name, 'Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital.'
The final concrete pour for the hospital's future rooftop helipad is also on track for completion in the coming weeks, weather permitting.
When complete, the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment will provide the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, subacute and non-admitted services locally, reducing the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.
Construction of the new Acute Services Building is expected to be completed in 2026.
More information about the project is available at: Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment
Quotes attributable to Minister for Illawarra & South Coast Ryan Park:
"More hospitals, more beds, more staff, lower wait times.
"We are yet another step closer to the completion of construction of the $440 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment.
"This new hospital will deliver contemporary and expanded hospital services to support the health outcomes for the Shoalhaven community for generations to come.
"The removal of the final tower crane used to support construction is significant milestone marking the completion of the structural phase of construction and the beginning of the internal fit-out.
"And at Shoalhaven Memorial we've doubled the number of T2 emergency patients being treated on time compared to the Liberals, and we're in the process of rolling out safe staffing ratios."
Quotes attributable to Labor candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney:
"We know the Liberals and Nationals had a poor track record of investing I essential health infrastructure.
"I'm so pleased the Minns Labor Government is delivering the much needed Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment to meet the growing health needs of our local community.
Quotes attributable to Member for South Coast Liza Butler:
"The departure of 'Jane the Crane' marks a significant achievement in the progress for the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, bringing us another step closer to its completion.
"As the new acute services building takes shape, it's clear this redevelopment will be transformative for the local community, improving access to high-quality healthcare closer to home."
