The $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is taking shape nicely following the unveiling of the façade of the new acute services building this week.

When complete, the development is expected to deliver a 60% increase in intensive care unit (ICU) capacity and almost 50% more theatres.

And, the state-of-the-art acute services building will offer:

• A new emergency department (ED) to meet a projected future demand of more than 95,000 presentations each year
• 22 operating theatres and nine interventional suites to respond to significantly increasing demand for surgical services
• Birthing suites, inpatient maternity, neonatal ICU, and special care units
• Rooftop helipad
• More than 900 additional car parking spaces on the precinct for patients, staff, and visitors

“When we came into government, we promised we wouldn’t waste time getting essential services to the people of the Hunter,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

“The $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct was one of our boldest commitments.

“Seeing the façade is proof we are delivering on what we vowed.

“The project’s rising out of the ground… and it’s on track to be completed next year.

“Healthcare isn’t something you can kick down the road.

“The Hunter needs world-class care… and it needs it now – not in five nor 10 years’ time.”

Meanwhile, the colours for the frontage were inspired by the nearby bushland, combining shades of green and cream, to create a design that reflects the surrounding environment.

The acute services building features four link bridges, connecting with the existing hospital, as well as the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), to create a direct link between research and clinical care.

Two large, elevated gardens that span more than 2,600 square metres sit between both structures, too.

“This project is a long time coming,” Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said.

“It’s something I’ve been lobbying for over many years and seeing the façade now gives a tangible sense of the venture making strong progress.

“The John Hunter Hospital is a major hospital in my electorate and in our region.

“So, this expansion will mean more services, more patients being seen and, most importantly, better health outcomes for our communities.”

With the building façade for the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct now complete, work is progressing on the interior fit-out and landscaping.

The two cranes “Lifty” and “Lofty” that were named by the community and have been a prominent feature of the Newcastle skyline for almost two years have also departed the site. 

Construction of the structure is expected to be completed in 2026, followed by an operational commissioning period to ensure the new building and staff are ready to welcome patients.

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