John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct unveiled

The Master Plan for the NSW Government's John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, which includes a $780 million investment in John Hunter Hospital, was unveiled on 19 August.

Mr Michael DiRienzo, Chief Executive Hunter New England Local Health District said the Hunter region will benefit significantly from expanded health services and facilities, including a new emergency department and improvements to critical care. The development of the Health Precinct will include a significant expansion of the John Hunter Hospital and John Hunter Children’s Hospital, providing additional capacity to meet the growing demand of the Greater Newcastle area, Hunter, New England and northern NSW regions,” Mr DiRienzo said. "The Precinct will also create new opportunities for education, training and employment for staff and the broader community.” Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said the world-class health precinct will be a key driver for economic growth and jobs for the Newcastle, Hunter New England and northern NSW regions. “The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will be renowned for world-class care and clinical expertise, and will continue to attract great staff to the region,” Mr Hazzard said. “The Master Plan, the result of a collaborative effort between health, education and research experts, will ensure that the people of the Hunter get the very best health care possible for decades to come.” The Master Plan was developed after a workshop hosted by Mr Hazzard in September 2018 with more than 60 health, education, research, business and political leaders. Health Infrastructure is leading a project team to progress the Master Plan compromising of BVN (architects), TSA Management (project managers), Steensen Varming, Northrop, Warren Smith and Partners (engineers) and Altus Group (cost managers).

The John Hunter Hospital redevelopment includes:

• A brand new, larger Emergency Department, including paediatric Emergency Department facilities
• Expanded and enhanced Critical Care services including Intensive Care, Operating Theatres and support services
• Additional patient accommodation that meets modern standards, made up of a mixture of single rooms and two bed rooms
• Increased interventional and imaging services
• Enhanced outpatient services
• Clinical and non-clinical support services including areas where staff, students and precinct partners can collaborate
• Facilities and capabilities to continue development partnerships with industry and higher education providers
• Improved road access to the campus and increased parking
• Increased short term accommodation to support rural and regional families and patients
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure and services to support service delivery, particularly in the area of telehealth

Stage 1 of the precinct development will involve a significant expansion of the John Hunter Hospital, interim works to alleviate traffic congestion on site and planning for the precinct.