Major construction works have commenced at the site of the $673 million Tweed Valley Hospital, delivering up to 650 construction jobs for the local community in addition to a world-class health facility.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new Tweed Valley Hospital is the largest regional capital health investment by a NSW Government and would be a game-changer for the region.
"The new Tweed Valley Hospital will almost double the capacity of the existing facility to meet the current and future health needs of the growing Tweed-Byron community," Ms Berejiklian said.
"This will ensure more than 5000 patients each year will not have to travel outside of the area and away from their families and support networks to access life-saving treatments."
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said planning and designing the hospital has been, and will continue to be, a highly collaborative process, involving clinicians and operational staff as well as the community.
"To date, there have been over 500 project user group meetings to ensure we are building a hospital designed by and for the community, and one that is future-proofed," Mr Hazzard said.
"And the economic benefits of this project to the region, particularly in the midst of a pandemic when we know so many businesses and families have been struggling, cannot be overstated."
Local MP Geoff Provest said the Tweed Valley Hospital Development is scheduled to open in 2023.
"Our region's population is forecast to grow by 17% over the next decade and this new hospital will service that increased demand as well as offer education and training opportunities," Mr Provest said.
"Building it near NSW TAFE Kingscliff campus will allow the partnership between TAFE NSW and the Tweed Valley Hospital to develop and deliver improved education and training opportunities for the people of the Tweed."
The new hospital will include:
- more operating theatres and recovery spaces
- expanded emergency department
- enhanced medical, surgical and mental health services
- enhanced ambulatory care services including more outpatient clinics
- new interventional cardiology service
- new radiotherapy service as part of a new integrated cancer care service.
