Media Release Minister for Health

2 August 2006

PLANS UNVEILED FOR ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL

The first concept plans for the $702 million redevelopment of the Royal North Shore Hospital site were unveiled today by the minister for Health John Hatzistergos.

Mr Hatzistergos said the redevelopment will be the biggest health capital project ever undertaken in NSW and will include:

• Operating theatres
• Procedure rooms
• Emergency department
• Day stay and ward areas
• On-site accommodation for staff, students and family of patients from country areas.

Mr Hatzistergos said the redevelopment will also include new community health facilities and a new research and education facility.

"This project is the biggest of its kind in NSW, delivering dynamic, new healthcare facilities for one of Sydney's oldest and most respected hospitals," he said.

"It will also enable us to continue to attract some of the very best doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, educators and researchers in their fields."

There will also be underground car parking and same grade access to nearby St Leonards train station to improve accessibility for staff, patients and visitors.

Mr Hatzistergos confirmed that new facilities will be built around the existing hospital, with very little impact expected to services.

"There is already a coordinated plan in place to ensure that services will be maintained throughout the construction," he said.

"The design will allow for expansion of services as future needs evolve."

Construction of the research and education building will begin this year and expected to be completed by 2008.

Work on the new main building is expected to be completed by 2012.