Construction complete on new acute services building at John Hunter Hospital
A major milestone has been reached on the $890 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, with construction of the new acute services building now complete.
The seven-storey building will provide contemporary facilities that support the delivery of specialist and complex healthcare for communities across Newcastle, the Hunter region and northern NSW.
Forming part of John Hunter Hospital, the building will also strengthen opportunities for innovation, research and education, reinforcing the precinct's role as a leading centre for healthcare in regional NSW.
Designed with patients, families and staff in mind, the acute services building features modern clinical environments, a high proportion of single inpatient rooms and flexible spaces that can be adapted to meet future healthcare needs.
The building also includes contemporary workspaces, dedicated staff amenities and more than 2,600 square metres of elevated garden space to support wellbeing, recovery and connection.
The NSW Government has committed an additional $55 million in the 2026–27 State Budget, bringing the total investment in the precinct to $890 million, making it the largest hospital redevelopment outside metropolitan Sydney.
Key features of the new building include:
- a new emergency department to meet a projected future demand of more than 95,000 presentations each year
- 22 operating theatres and nine interventional suites to support growing demand for procedural services
- birthing suites, inpatient maternity, neonatal intensive care unit, and special care units
- rooftop helipad
- more than 900 additional car parking spaces for patients, staff and visitors.
The acute services building will deliver significantly expanded clinical infrastructure at John Hunter Hospital, including around 60 per cent more intensive care unit capacity and almost 50 per cent more operating theatres.
Extensive consultation with staff, patients and Aboriginal community representatives helped shape the design, with integrated artworks and culturally responsive features reflecting local culture and connection to Country.
Four link bridges connect the building to the existing hospital and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, strengthening integration between clinical care, research and innovation.
Major construction began in 2022, and has supported around 1,500 jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy and creating opportunities for local trades and suppliers throughout the life of the project.
Operational commissioning is now underway, including staff orientation, equipment installation and systems testing.
The acute services building is expected to open later this year, with refurbishment works in the existing hospital to follow.
The project is delivered in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District, Multiplex Constructions and Bureau Veritas Buildings and Infrastructure.