17 hours Ago By Damon Cronshaw
A massive funding injection is needed for stage two of John Hunter Hospital's redevelopment, which aims to "better meet patient, staff and carer needs". Login or signup to continue reading Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said it was "now timely" for the Minns government to commit to stage two "in forward-funding programs". "It is vitally important that John Hunter is sufficiently funded to operate at levels that meet community demands and expectations," Mr Hawes said.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park was at John Hunter last month for a topping-out ceremony at a seven-storey building for the $835 million redevelopment's first stage. The project is due for completion in March next year, but funding for the second stage hasn't been announced. Hunter New England Health CEO Tracey McCosker said stage two was "a capital investment priority for our district".
A proposal had been "submitted to NSW Health for consideration". It was dependent on the government's "annual budget deliberations". Mr Park's spokesperson said announcements about stage two would be "made in due course".
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the John Hunter project would be "a significant investment". "It is critical that people right across the Hunter and surrounds can access high-quality, vital healthcare when they need it most," Ms Catley said. "I will continue to advocate for our region.
" In 2019, stage two was estimated to cost $800 million. The latest plan includes a considerable number of new beds and wards. It would also enable John Hunter Children's Hospital to stand alone with its own entrance.
Further plans include more outpatient clinics, infusion and chemotherapy lounges, dental chairs, PET/CT imaging equipment and an upgraded intensive care unit. Mr Hawes, a Hunter New England Health board member, said the children's hospital had "ageing infrastructure". "It does not attract dedicated funding.
It competes for funding within the broader district budget and is supplemented by fundraising. "It needs to be upgraded to fully unlock the benefits of the new acute services building." The Rankin Park rehabilitation centre also needs attention.
Mr Hawes said stage two funding would "support new models of care" and enable "the full scope of John Hunter's clinical services plan to be realised". He said the investment in stage one was "fantastic and sorely needed". "But the hospital will continue to operate at a less than optimal level if the other service and infrastructure needs are not addressed.
" The hospital has been under immense pressure since the pandemic, with quarterly data repeatedly showing challenges for the emergency department and elective surgery. Stage two aimed to help prevent emergency department blockages and elective surgery cancellations. Not funding stage two would mean "community expectations are not met and contemporary demand on the John Hunter hospital service cannot be met".
"That would lead to considerable confusion and disruption," Mr Hawes said. "This hospital has the busiest emergency department in NSW and services an enormous catchment area across the Hunter, New England and North Coast." He said the John Hunter campus had "a unique nexus with medical research and is perfectly positioned to grow as a health hub".
This would bring new jobs, expertise and specialised care to the region. Stage two includes a master plan for how the campus could grow in future. This part of the plan is seeking $5 million in federal funding.
It is part of a long-term plan to develop 88 hectares with research, education and industry partnerships. It could include private investment from industries such as pharmaceuticals, along with housing. Health and medicine, science, research, nutrition.
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