Plans for the $780 million expansion of the John Hunter Hospital have been unveiled, but the local MP is warning nearby roads won't be able to cope unless the final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass is completed before the upgrades.
The major expansion upgrades are due to finish by 2026 under the master plan, which includes overhauling the existing buildings, as well as the construction of new research and education facilities.
The Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, has welcomed the plans, saying they are vital for meeting the growing needs of the region.
"Planning for the future growth of the health needs of the Lower Hunter is vitally important. We have emergency departments overflowing, waiting lists for appointments with specialists and surgery blowing out, full staff car parks, a congested internal road network and external roads surrounding the precinct at breaking point,” Sonia Hornery said.
However, the MP says more collaboration is needed between the State's Roads and Health departments so the infrastructure can cope with the hospital's growth.
"I am writing today to both the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads, and as well to the Minister for Health, to say that we welcome the announcement but we want to fix the transport woes, and expedite the Inner City Bypass before we even think about any further construction," she said.
The master plan, which will raise the capacity for staff and patients at the hospital, include the construction of new research and education facilities, as the site meets the growth demands of the Hunter region.
Last week a fatal accident on Lookout Road caused traffic chaos near the Hospital's entrance.
The MP has asked for the final stage of the final stage of the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass, which will link with the new entrance of the hospital, to be constructed before the upgrades are completed in early-2026.
"The Newcastle Inner-City Bypass is still two years away from a sod being turned. Now the bypass must be fast-tracked before we look at any development on the John Hunter site".
Sonia Hornery says there are number of issues to address before the upgrades proceed.
"Access to transport and access to public transport, looking at reinstating a shuttle service so people can get to and from the hospital without having to go through the gridlock of the road network. We really need to be solving a few problems before we even think about construction," she said.
The Wallsend MP has written to and will seek a meeting with key government Ministers to ask for the local road network to be prepared for the hospital upgrade.
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| The $780 million upgrade plan will include a new main entrance, linking with the final stage of the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass |
