Construction complete on John Hunter Hospital’s new acute services building

newy.com.au – Construction of the new acute services building at John Hunter Hospital is complete, marking a major step in the $890 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct redevelopment.

The seven-storey building is expected to begin taking patients later this year, after a commissioning period that will include staff orientation, equipment installation and systems testing. Refurbishment works in the existing hospital are due to follow in 2027.

The project is the largest hospital redevelopment outside metropolitan Sydney, after a $55 million boost in the 2026-27 NSW Budget lifted total investment in the precinct to $890 million.

Once operational, the building will deliver a new emergency department designed to meet projected future demand of more than 95,000 presentations a year, along with 22 operating theatres, nine interventional suites, birthing suites, inpatient maternity services, a neonatal intensive care unit and special care units.

The redevelopment will also include a rooftop helipad and more than 900 additional car parking spaces for patients, staff and visitors. The acute services building is expected to increase intensive care unit capacity by 60 per cent and deliver almost 50 per cent more operating theatres.

Four link bridges connect the new building to the existing hospital and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, with the government saying the design is intended to strengthen links between clinical care, research and innovation.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the completion of construction was an important moment for health services across the region.

“This is a major milestone for the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct and a significant investment in the future of healthcare for communities across the region,” Mr Park said.

“We are delivering more beds, more hospitals, and more services to meet the needs of growing communities like the Hunter.

“For people in Newcastle, the Hunter, and northern NSW, the completion of this new building will mean access to specialist world-class health care, closer to home.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said John Hunter Hospital was a critical facility for the region.

“This is a massive milestone for Hunter communities. John Hunter is the hospital our region turns to in its toughest moments, and this redevelopment means it will be ready for generations to come,” Ms Catley said.

“The Hunter is growing, and our health services need to grow with it. For too long, people outside of Sydney have had to travel further than they should for specialist care and our investment of $890 million means more people across the Hunter can get world-class treatment closer to home.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the completed works were a significant investment in health services in her electorate.

“It’s great to see that these works are complete on this much needed $890 million investment in health services in the Wallsend electorate. I look forward to the new building coming on-line towards the end of the year, with additional car parking and the upcoming opening of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass alleviating parking and traffic issues,” Ms Hornery said.

The project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure, Hunter New England Local Health District, Multiplex Constructions and Bureau Veritas Buildings and Infrastructure.