Minister for Health Ryan Park announces that a design team has been appointed for upgrades to Wollongong Hospital. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
A specialist design team has been appointed to plan upgrades to Wollongong Hospital, as well as master planning a future redevelopment.
The appointment is part of a $21.9 million investment from the NSW Government to enhance health services and infrastructure at Wollongong Hospital.
Minister for Health and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park acknowledged the hospital was struggling to keep up with demand.
“It’s a hospital that’s under pressure,” he said.
“Some of that pressure will be alleviated as we get Shellharbour Hospital off the ground and Warrawong Health Centre built.
“But it is an A-class hospital and key to our health system down here.”
The design team will work with Health Infrastructure and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District to identify clinical service priorities.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said consultation with hospital staff, clinicians and the community would continue throughout the year.
“The project scope and construction timeframes will be determined as planning and design progresses,” the spokesperson said.
“Staff, stakeholders and the community will be kept informed and consulted as the project progresses.”
The NSW Government will also deliver the $780 million new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Servies project, which includes building a new Warrawong Community Health Centre.
Minister Park acknowledged Wollongong Hospital was well overdue for an upgrade.
“It’s been decades since major works have been undertaken at Wollongong Hospital,” he said.
“The NSW Government is committed to investing in health infrastructure across the Illawarra and South Coast, to deliver better health services and outcomes for our local communities now and into the future.”
A slew of measures have been introduced over the past 12 months to help Wollongong Hospital cope with its caseload.
These include the opening of Urgent Care Centres at Bulli and Dapto, work on the new Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station, the introduction and expansion of the Emergency Short Stay Area as part of the emergency department, and temporary aged-care beds being made available for elderly patients.
As flu season reaches its peak, the minister urges residents to use the emergency department for emergencies and seek help from a GP or Urgent Care Clinic where possible.
“If it’s not an emergency, don’t go to the emergency department,” he said.
Original Article published by Zoe Cartwright on Region Illawarra.
