Upgrades to begin for John Hunter Health Precinct

The transformation of the John Hunter Health Precinct into a new state-of-the-art facility will begin this month following the appointment of an early works contractor.

Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, and Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor, appointed Multiplex Constructions as the enabling works contractor for the NSW Government’s $835 million investment in the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct project.

“This is a significant milestone for a huge expansion of health services that will transform health care for the Hunter region,” Hazzard said.

“The Precinct will also support research and innovation, driving collaborations between the health, education and research sectors to improve patient outcomes.

“The new, seven-storey Acute Services Building will see a 60 per cent increase in Intensive Care Unit capacity and almost 50 per cent more theatres, and the new Emergency Department will see treatment spaces for patients increase by almost 40 per cent.”

The NSW Government revealed that the new Acute Service building would deliver additional operating theatres, a new Emergency Department, and expanded critical care services for adult and paediatric care.

Meanwhile, expecting families will also have access to a new birthing suite, an inpatient maternity unit, a new neonatal intensive care unit and a special care nursery.

A rooftop helipad and increased car parking with more than 900 spaces for staff and visitors are also part of plans for the new precinct.

Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor, said John Hunter Hospital was already one of the busiest hospitals in NSW.

She said the region’s population was set to increase by 22 per cent over the next 15 years.

“This expansion and enhancement of health services will ensure Newcastle, greater Hunter and northern NSW communities have access to cutting-edge health care now and into the future,” Taylor said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin, said the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct redevelopment would provide work for local builders, sub-contractors and tradespeople throughout construction.

“This significant infrastructure project will create jobs for the community and deliver a big boost to the local economy with 70 per cent of the work being delivered by Hunter New England businesses,” Martin said.

“Multiplex will be holding information sessions for interested businesses in the coming months, and we’re encouraging people to find out how they can be involved.”

Main works on the precinct are expected to commence later in the year, while the project is scheduled for total completion in 2026.

The project is part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure from 2024 to 2025, with nearly a third of the capital allocation going towards regional and rural health facilities this financial year.

Maia O’Connor