The NSW Government is set to spend $400 million on a “maintenance blitz” for the state’s ailing public hospitals, including those in the Hunter.

As part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, the Health Asset and Equipment Renewal program will fund the replacement and upgrades of medical equipment, critical clinical systems and deliver essential facility upgrades, such as building integrity works and engineering services.

The outlay’s expected to support:

• Building Integrity & Waterproofing Program: To deliver rectification works to mitigate and minimise moisture related risks, including roof or facade replacements
• Medical Equipment End-of-Life Replacement Program: To replace equipment at end-of-life, including MRI and CT scanners, to continue the delivery of safe and timely healthcare
• Fire Safety Upgrades Program: To replace and upgrade fire systems across the state, to ensure compliance with contemporary building codes, and improve staff and patient safety
• Building Mechanical Systems Upgrades Program: To improve internal building conditions, including heating ventilation and air-conditioning systems, to reduce the risk of mould, and improve compliance and power efficiency
• Lift Upgrades Program: To upgrade lift infrastructure in hospitals across the state to ensure staff have the facilities they need to continue to deliver safe, high-quality healthcare

“NSW families have seen and felt the impact of the former Liberal government’s neglect,” Minister for Health Ryan Park said.

“But, we’re cleaning up their mess to better assist the world-class healthcare our community relies on every day.

“This maintenance blitz is a significant and much-needed investment, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring the latest health equipment and infrastructure is accessible to everyone, no matter where they live.

“Having modern spaces and facilities not only improves the experience for patents but, importantly, supports our hardworking staff to deliver high-quality care now and into the future.”

It also builds on the government’s investment in critical hospital builds, upgrades and redevelopment projects announced previously, including:

• $3.5 billion to deliver hospital enhancements across regional NSW, such as new ventures in Dubbo, Forbes, Maitland and Wollongong
• More than $900 million in 2025-26 to continue and complete the record health infrastructure investment in Albury, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Cessnock, Cooma, Cowra, Eurobodalla, Finley, Glen Innes, Goulburn, Grafton, Griffith, Gunnedah, John Hunter, Lower Mid North Coast, Milton Ulladulla, Moree, Muswellbrook, New Shellharbour, Port Macquarie, Shoalhaven, Temora, Tweed, Wentworth, Wollongong and Wyong hospitals
• $200.1 million investment to deliver key health worker accommodation projects across regional and remote areas of the state

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