BY JARROD MELMETH
The NSW Health Minister was at John Hunter Hospital on Tuesday to unveil the designs of the new Acute Service Building.
The $780 million, seven storey facility will have the capacity to increase intensive care services by 60 per cent and almost 50 percent more for theatres.
The Government says the patient has been put front and centre, with large windows for more natural light and plenty of green spaces and quiet zones to make the hospital stay as comfortable as possible.
The redevelopment will also include upgrades to the internal road network to compliment the future connection to the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and a link bridge to connect the new building.
The new facility will also include:
- A new Emergency Department
- Critical Care Services (adult and paediatric)
- Operating theatres and interventional suites
- Imaging services
- Birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit
- Neonatal intensive care and special care nursery
- Retail, new hospital entrance canopy and improved drop off zone
- Rooftop helipad and increased car parking
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazard says it is set to become a world class health precinct.
"This will no only significantly enhance capacity for clinical care and collaboration between the health, research and education sectors but be a key driver of economic growth in the region.
"The cleverly designed building will house cutting edge technology, enabling John Hunter's incredible staff to continue to deliver exemplary health care to the greater Newcastle, hunter and New England and northern NSW," Mr Hazzard said.
 |
| Artist impression of the new building. |
 |
| Health Minister Brad Hazzard making the announcement on Tuesday afternoon. |
