Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the new centre, located on the south-east corner of the hospital site will bring together a range of community health services within one purpose-built facility.
“I’m excited we’re taking the first steps towards building this new facility which will meet the needs of the Illawarra community now and into the future,” Mr Park said.
“Warrawong Community Health Centre will deliver a community-focused health service by co-locating services from Port Kembla Hospital and across the District into one single hub, making it much simpler for patients accessing healthcare.
“The new centre has been designed with the best clinical practices in mind as well as ensuring the layout and flow is easy for staff and patients to navigate.”
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said the Warrawong Community Health Centre will be a vital boost to healthcare services for the local community.
“I’ve advocated for the new Warrawong Community Health Centre for a very long time so it’s fantastic to see progress,” Mr Scully said.
“This facility is incredibly vital to our community, making it so much easier for people to access a wide range of health services in one location.
“It’s important to have a place like the Warrawong Community Health Centre where multiple health services will now be in the same place.
“I encourage everyone to check out the designs, learn more about this exciting project and pass on their feedback.”
Further stakeholder and community consultation will inform the design of the centre and the community is being invited to an information drop-in session at the Warrawong Plaza on Tuesday 12 December, between 2pm and 4pm.
Services at the new Warrawong Community Health Centre include:
- Child and Family Health Services
- Binji and Boori (Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service)
- Community nursing
- Community Mental Health
- Sexual Health Service
- Drug and Alcohol Services
- Equipment Loan Pool
The new centre will feature courtyards designed to support patients accessing clinical services and used for outdoor education, quiet spaces and clinical therapies.
Local Aboriginal Groups have also helped shaped the design of the facility, including the planned landscaping which will feature local native plants, trees and shrubs.
The Warrawong Community Health Centre is being delivered as part of the more than $700 million New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project. Other components of the project include:
- A new Shellharbour Hospital at Dunmore Road, Dunmore (underway)
- The expansion of sub-acute services at Bulli Hospital (complete)
- New rehabilitation gymnasium, refreshed rehabilitation and cardiology wards and delivery of a new ward at Wollongong Hospital. (complete).
Work on the Warrawong Community Health Centre is set to commence in mid-2024, with the new centre expected to open in early 2026, pending planning approval.
For more information, please visit https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about-us/hospital-and-facility-upgrades/new-shellharbour-hospital-and-integrated-services-project
