Communities across the Shoalhaven region are one step closer to a new, modern and purpose-built hospital, with construction of the centrepiece building for the $440 million Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital now substantially complete.
The substantial completion of the new seven storey Acute Services Building marks a significant milestone, bringing the region closer to a modern health facility that will support the healthcare needs of the Shoalhaven community for generations to come.
The Acute Services Building will house a range of new and expanded services and facilities, becoming a health hub for the region and supporting the growing local population.
With the new building undergoing final testing, construction is now focused on finishing the remaining external works of the redevelopment, including the link bridge connection to the existing hospital building, main entry, as well as the installation of artwork and landscaping.
The new building is expected to open to patients later in 2026, following the completion of operational commissioning activities, led by Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
The operational commissioning phase is integral to ensure the building is safe and ready for patients, staff and visitors. It includes equipment testing, delivery of furniture and fixtures, training teams, performing clinical scenarios, and checking emergency systems.
Once operational, the new Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital will provide the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, sub-acute and non-admitted health services locally, reducing the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.
The new acute services building will directly connect to the existing hospital via a new linkway, and includes:
- a new emergency department and emergency short-stay unit
- new intensive care unit
- medical wards
- a dedicated acute mental health unit
- double the number of operating theatres, endoscopy and procedure rooms
- a dedicated cardiology inpatient unit, coronary care unit and cardiac catheterisation laboratory
- new medical imaging unit, including MRI and CT machines and a new rooftop helipad
Once services move into the new Acute Services Building, the project focus will turn to the refurbishment of the existing hospital, with works expected to be complete in 2027.
The redevelopment has provided a significant boost to the local economy during construction, with close to 70 per cent of the workforce based locally. It is estimated that the project has supported around 800 direct jobs, and hundreds of indirect jobs over the life of the project.
Consultation with staff, patients and the community has been a key part of planning and design for the redevelopment, ensuring the new hospital meets the unique health needs of the Shoalhaven region.
Staff, patients, and the community will be kept informed, with an opening date for the new building to be announced shortly.
