Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment Reaches Construction Milestone and Confirms CT Scanner

The $138 million redevelopment of Cessnock Hospital has reached its highest point of construction, marked by a "topping out" ceremony attended by Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr, health staff, and construction workers.

The project, funded by the New South Wales Government, involves building a new two-storey acute services building. Facilities in the new building will include an expanded emergency department, operating theatres, day surgery spaces, two inpatient wards with single and twin ensuite bedrooms, a sterilising services unit, a modern pharmacy, and a medical imaging service.

As part of the facility upgrades, a new Computed Tomography (CT) scanner will be installed to expand the hospital's imaging capabilities, which will also include ultrasound and X-ray services. According to officials, the introduction of the CT scanner is projected to reduce the need for patient transfers to other facilities by an estimated 100 return trips annually.

The redevelopment is scheduled for completion in 2027. The project is estimated to support around 250 direct jobs during its construction phase, alongside additional indirect employment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park stated that the project forms part of an almost $3 billion NSW Government investment in regional healthcare facilities over four years. Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Clayton Barr noted that the expanded services and diagnostic equipment are aimed at meeting the healthcare needs of the growing local community.

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