The opening marks the end of four years’ detailed planning and construction work.
The building includes an expanded emergency department and emergency medical unit, acute inpatient unit, expanded high dependency and coronary care unit, operating theatres, expanded day surgery unit, medical imaging department and selected clinical support services.
The redevelopment also includes new and reconfigured car parking for patients, visitors and staff and a new main entrance off Polwood Street.
Patients have been treated in the new building since December and refurbishment works are continuing on the integrated community care centre, renal dialysis services, a new renal training unit, oral health services and several primary health care and community services. This work is due for completion within months.
Kempsey Hospital’s redevelopment is jointly-funded by the NSW Government’s $41.9 million and the Commonwealth’s $40 million under the Health and Hospitals Fund.