Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment

The new 7-story acute clinical services building at the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is located at the centre of the project's site to provide good access to existing clinical services. 

It will include:

• the New Emergency Department (ED) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• double the number of operating theatres and endoscopy rooms
• a dedicated cardiology in-patient unit
• a new rooftop helipad with direct access to the ED and ICU.

Once complete, it will mean fewer patients will need to be transferred to hospitals in Wollongong and Sydney, providing vital care closer to home. 

Construction of the new acute services building is expected to be completed in 2026. 

The new Shoalhaven Community Pre-School (pre-school) is part of the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment (Redevelopment). 

The pre-school was officially opened on 25 August 2023 and is an important milestone for the Redevelopment, as its relocation was integral to the expansion of the hospital campus. 

It has now been relocated nearby to a new purpose-built early education centre at the southern end of the hospital campus, which will also be retained as greenspace, enhancing the area’s family-friendly atmosphere.   

The pre-school is already running at full capacity, without having lost a single day of operation. It was delivered on time with 30 per cent more capacity, ensuring continuity of service and minimising any impacts on staff and families.

The new facility provides a contemporary and expanded early education centre that meets the National Quality Standards for children aged between 3 and 6 years to support young families living in the area. 

Master plan

The Redevelopment's master plan was finalised in August 2021. It was developed to make use of available land and is located next to the existing hospital infrastructure.

The master plan focuses on clinical development at the centre of the site, enabling the creation of open green space at the southern end of the site. 

It has also planned for future expansion at the northern end of the precinct and various levels of refurbishment to the current hospital. 

It also considers:

• existing infrastructure
• functional relationships
• town planning guidelines
• site topography and access
• the environment and biodiversity.

Design approach

The Redevelopment's design approach leverages urban design and architecture to transform the hospital into a significant community asset that focuses on wellness principles. 

The design will feature:

• natural lighting
• access to outdoor courtyards and terraces
• spaces for relaxation, respite and socialising
• views across Shoalhaven River to the escarpment. 

Environment and sustainability

The project will deliver a sustainable and environmentally friendly hospital facility with more efficient building systems and renewable energy strategies to:

• reduce energy consumption
• take advantage of the northern orientation to optimise solar use
• improve shading to maximise heating and colling. 

Landscaping

Shoalhaven hospital has a strong connection to the natural environment, helping to promote wellbeing. The existing buildings will be linked by the landscape and covered pedestrian paths to the new development.

The landscaping design seeks to support a healing process, bridge cultures, regenerate the landscape and provide a platform for the many stories and voices that have an enduring connection with this site.

Interior design

Interior spaces, colours, materials and furniture selected for the Redevelopment will support patients, their families, staff and visitors’ wellbeing. Related but varied landmarks by colour, materials and graphics will provide public spaces supporting user comfort and overall wellbeing. 

Elements of the natural world will be integrated through windows as well as material selections, colours and textures. Spaces will relate to the local context in reference to the Shoalhaven landscape in materials and colours that are familiar to the community and staff. 

Inclusion of local elements such as artworks, place names, historical and cultural items or references will create a culturally relevant and respectful environment.

Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital is designed to promote cultural safety and to maximise its connection to the Country of the First Nations’ people on which it is situated.  

Providing a strong connection with the natural environment and cultural identity protects the health and wellbeing of Country and by extension our community. 

The Redevelopment is designed to have minimal impact on the land and be sustainable for future generations. In consultation with the Aboriginal community and hospital, the culturally informed design will include:

• the historic blackbutt tree at the southern end of Nowra Park as a focal point in the overall design.
• bush tucker, native gardens, and green spaces for positive impacts on the wellbeing and health outcomes for Shoalhaven residents.
• biodiverse native plant species, which are healing and attract desired local birds.
• elements that combine the landscape, interiors, and wayfinding to encourage outside interactions to share knowledge.
• totems on the site, will function as combined art and markers to assist with wayfinding.