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NSW Premier unveils plans for John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct

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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian made a flying visit to Newcastle this morning to reveal plans for a $780 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct.

Ms Berejiklian was joined by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard in unveiling the concept design for the new, seven-storey Acute Services Building.

“World-class services here help so many in the Hunter Region and that’s why I’m incredibly proud of this investment,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Construction of the precinct will support more than 3,000 jobs over the life of the project, helping simulate the economy, a key component of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan.”

Mr Hazzard said the redevelopment would significantly increase critical care capacity, with a 60% increase in the Intensive Care Unit capacity and almost 50% more theatres, interventional suites, and procedural spaces.

“The government’s vision for this site is a major world-class centre that will actually service not only Newcastle but the entire Hunter Region and right up to almost the NSW border as a major trauma centre,” he said.

The new Acute Services Building will include a new emergency department, critical care services, operating theatres, interventional and imaging services, birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit, neonatal intensive care and special care nursery, larger and redeveloped inpatient units, and a rooftop helipad.

“When this is complete it will be a major catalyst as an innovation, research and industry centre for world-class health,” Mr Hazzard said.

Hunter New England Health Executive Director, Doctor Paul Craven, said the precinct would allow the hospital to continue its strong reputation.

“We have one of the largest trauma services, one of the largest emergency departments and one of the largest and busiest theatre complexes, so it’s a fantastic addition to what we already have on this campus,” he said.

Stage one of an interim Emergency Department expansion has been completed early as part of the government’s COVID-19 response.

“I’m so pleased the Emergency Department expansion was delivered five months ahead of schedule, providing an additional 12 dedicated paediatric treatment areas and additional capacity to deal with the pandemic,” Mr Hazzard added.

Early works on the Acute Services Building are expected to start in 2021, with construction to begin the following year.

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