Construction has officially started on the long-awaited $138 million redevelopment of Cessnock Hospital, marking a major milestone for healthcare services in the region.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park joined local Indigenous Elders, Cessnock MP Clayton Barr, health staff and community representatives to celebrate the beginning of works on what is being described as a transformative project for the Hunter.
The centrepiece of the venture is a contemporary, two-storey Acute Services Building, which has been designed to modernise and expand the clinical capabilities of the hospital to meet the growing needs of the community.
It will house an expanded emergency department (ED), new operating theatre and day surgery spaces, two new inpatient wards, a modern sterilising services unit, medical imaging, and a fully-equipped pharmacy.
“The Cessnock community has long advocated for improved health services, so this is a proud moment for all of us,” Mr Barr said.
“This redevelopment will not only deliver better care for patients but also support jobs and economic activity in our region throughout construction.”
The new facility has been carefully planned to enhance accessibility and functionality across the hospital campus.
Several outdated buildings will be demolished to make way for the redevelopment, improving connectivity and modernising the site overall.
Importantly, Cessnock Hospital will remain fully-operational throughout the construction period, with minimal disruption expected for staff, patients and visitors.
“Many people thought of the idea of a new Cessnock Hospital as being too good to be true,” Mr Barr said.
“But, here we are, at another milestone for the project and making our wishes come true.
“This exciting event should put to rest those in our community who doubted the redevelopment would ever happen.”
The project is also expected to provide a significant economic boost to the region, supporting an estimated 250 direct jobs and potentially hundreds of indirect roles over the course of the build.
With the builder, Hansen Yuncken, now appointed and environmental planning approvals in place, the redevelopment is expected to be completed by 2027.
For Mr Barr, a long-time advocate for health equity and infrastructure investment in regional communities, he’s delighted by the outcome.
“I am so proud to be part of a Labor government that is delivering enhanced health services for Cessnock and the surrounding communities,” he said.
More project information is available on the Hunter New England Health Service Developments website.
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