The New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia has announced the commencement of redevelopment works worth A$526.8m ($346.1m) on Ryde Hospital.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Health Ryan Park along with local health workers turned the sod to commemorate the commencement of significant works.
The government allocated an additional A$47.8m into the Ryde Hospital renovation in the 2024-25 budget.
Following the completion of redevelopment works, the hospital will feature new and expanded emergency department, medical imaging department, intensive care unit, operating theatres, procedure rooms and surgical/endoscopy day-only areas.
It will also have additional adult overnight inpatient beds, custom-built ambulatory care centre and short stay unit for paediatric patients.
Furthermore, clinical and non-clinical support services including pharmacy, pathology, food, linen and supply services and education, training and research will be offered at the facility.
AW Edwards will execute the construction works after it secured the building contract earlier this year.
The redevelopment works comprise demolition of old structures, establishing new hospital facilities and restoration of existing hospital spaces.
The works on the new hospital facility are anticipated to be completed in 2027, while the new main entrance, demolition of old structures and landscaping works will follow in 2028.
Redevelopment of the Ryde Hospital will feature new and expanded facilities to meet the health needs of the growing community, with over 180,000 people anticipated to live in the Ryde area by 2041, the government release noted.
Minns said: “This project will boost capacity at the hospital and give people in the Ryde area the best possible care.
“This project will deliver a brand-new emergency department, intensive care unit and operating theatres.
“We are expanding this essential service to meet the needs of the Ryde community for years to come.”
In June this year, the NSW government unveiled a record A$35.1bn ($23.1bn) investment for the 2024-25 Budget to overhaul the state’s health system.