$138m Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment a step closer to construction

A new two-storey acute services building at the Cessnock Hospital campus is a step closer to being built as the New South Wales Government invites the community to view and provide their feedback on the project’s planning documents. 

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the $138 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment will be on public exhibition from 20 January 2025. 

Both the REF and the project’s designs have been informed by extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community. This includes feedback from the recent community information sessions on the schematic design of the new acute services building held in October 2024. 

Key features of the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment include an expanded emergency department, two inpatient wards with single and two-bed rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, a new medical imaging service and day surgery spaces. 

“The investment in the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment project will enable delivery of modern hospital and healthcare facilities to support the current and future health needs of communities in Cessnock and the Lower Hunter region. 

“This is a significant milestone for the redevelopment project and we’re grateful for the input provided by staff and community into the planning process for the project,” Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said. 

Source: Hunter New England Health Service Developments

The State Government allocated an additional $26.5 million towards the project in the 2024-25 NSW Budget to support the delivery of additional new facilities including an operating theatre, procedure room, Central Sterilising Services Department as well as a modern pharmacy department. 

Not only will the redevelopment enhance health services for the region, but it will also support best-practice models of care and improve campus accessibility for patients and staff by better integrating healthcare services. 

Main construction on the project is due to start in mid-2025, following the planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor. 

The REF and other supporting technical documents for the project are available on the Health Infrastructure website from 20 January. 

Hunter New England Local Health District will continue working closely with community stakeholders and hospital staff to ensure the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment will meet the future health needs of the growing community. 

“I’m delighted to see planning for the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment reach this significant milestone, which will boost health services for patients, families and their carers across the lower Hunter region. 

“We encourage the community to provide their feedback on the plans while they are on public exhibition,” Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said. 

“This important step in the $138 million redevelopment will mean we are one step closer to delivering a state-of-the-art hospital for the Cessnock community,” Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability for Hunter New England Local Health District Dr Ramsey Awad said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Hunter New England Health Service Developments (1, 2); Yahoo! Finance