The Cessnock Hospital redevelopment has reached its highest point of construction, with a topping out event marking the progress of the new two storey acute services building.
Designed to meet Cessnock’s growing and changing healthcare needs, the new building will deliver an expanded emergency department, operating theatres and day surgery spaces, two new inpatient wards, a sterilising services unit, new medical imaging facilities as well as modern pharmacy.
The inpatient wards will include single and twin bedroom ensuites, while the broader redevelopment will support new models of care,including integrated care of older residents.
But another significant addition has now been confirmed for the hospital, with a CT scanner to be installed following completion of the redevelopment.
The scanner will form part of an expanded medical imaging service offering CT, ultrasound and X-ray services locally.
It is expected to reduce the number of Cessnock patients who need to travel to other health facilities for CT imaging, avoiding an estimated 100 return trips each year.
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said the redevelopment was needed to keep pace with the community.
“Our growing community needs and deserves this redevelopement of our local hospital,” Mr Barr said.
“Having a CT scanner in Cessnock Hospital will allow our medical team to offer a higher quality of care and treatment.
“Ultimately, it is much better for the patients that need the help of their local hospital.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the investment would provide local families with a hospital capable of growing alongside the region.
“Like the rest of the Hunter, Cessnock is growing, and this $138 million redevelopment means local families will have a hospital that grows with them,” Ms Catley said.
“For people across the Cessnock area, having a better hospital with new tech like a CT scanner means high-quality care is closer to home.”
The project is expected to support about 250 direct jobs, with the potential for hundreds of indirect jobs throughout construction.
Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability John Barnard-Richardson said hospital staff were excited to see the acute services building taking shape.
“We look forward to delivering a contemporary health facility in 2027 to support our staff in providing best practice models of care to the Cessnock community,” he said.
Construction is due to be completed in 2027
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