The New South Wales government has released designs for a $438 million redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital in the state’s South Coast region.
The original building has provided care to the local community since 1951, and the redevelopment is intended to deliver quality, accessible healthcare for the growing Shoalhaven population.
Conrad Gargett was announced as the architect on the project in early 2021, selected for its significant portfolio of health sector developments including the Gosford Hospital Redevelopment, Tamworth Hospital and Queensland Children’s Hospital.
The redevelopment includes an additional building with direct access to the existing hospital, which will also undergo various refurbishments.
Standing at seven storeys, the redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital will include a suite of new inpatient, short-stay and intensive care units, as well as an emergency department, more operating theatres, new medical and surgical wards, an imaging department, and more.
Medical staff commented the added resources under the redevelopment will ensure they can address the needs of patients sooner and more effectively.
The upgraded facility will have twice the number of operating theatres and a significantly expanded bed base for geriatric services
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Conrad Gargett
Conceptual plans for the new hospital include light-filled spaces with a strong connection to the surrounding environment.
According to the masterplan, the new hospital will merge with the surrounding native landscape, so that it “represents the benefits of the environment, biodiversity, sustainability and the community.”
Another key objective is to provide culturally appropriate facilities to meet the needs of First Nations people. The project team is working closely with the local Indigenous community to ensure the new facility promotes cultural safety, awareness and accessibility.
The redeveloped hospital will reduce the need to transfer patients to Wollongong or Sydney, improving the community’s access to a greater range of health services. It will act as a health hub for the Shoalhaven area, providing the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, sub-acute and non-admitted services.
Main works on the redevelopment are expected to commence early 2023, with construction anticipated for completion in 2026.
For more information on the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, visit the NSW Health website.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
