Western Sydney residents are set to benefit from improved health services now the new 14-storey tower at Nepean Hospital is complete.
The new clinical services building, which is part of a $1 billion (US$741.3 million) Nepean Hospital redevelopment, boasts a new neonatal intensive care unit, an expanded emergency department, and over 200 inpatient beds.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres toured the new facility on Wedenesday, noting it is now Penrith’s tallest landmark.
“Our record investments in our health system also ensure our frontline workers have access to world class facilities and services to provide that care.”
Meanwhile, Minister Hazzard noted that on top of the expanded emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit, and 200 additional beds, the new tower includes 18 birthing suites, 17 new operating theatres, and a helipad.
“The NSW Government is delivering a major expansion and upgrade of health services at Nepean Hospital to meet the healthcare needs of the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains communities for decades to come,” he said.
Completion the 14-storey clinical services building marks the end of stage one of the redevelopment, with the facility set to open in stages from mid-2022.
Stage two includes a new adult intensive care unit, a renal dialysis unit, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, cardiology services, community health services, and a front of house for the hospital.
Minister Ayres said the Nepean Hospital project is a major boost for the greater Penrith community, significantly improving the healthcare environment for patients, carers, and medical staff.
“This once in a generation investment in our local hospital will not only deliver enhanced health services today but will also provide the capacity to grow as our community grows,” he said.
“Beyond the substantial healthcare benefits it’s also been a huge win for our local economy. More than 3,700 contractors and subcontractors worked on Stage 1 of the Nepean redevelopment during its construction phase, with almost three quarters of the on-site workforce from Western Sydney.”
Ayres added that thousands more jobs are expected to be on offer during the $450 million stage two development, which will begin this year.
The Nepean Hospital redevelopment is part of the New South Wales (NSW) government’s $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure over the next four years.
