The Cessnock community is a step closer to modern, state-of-the-art health facilities, with construction of the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment reaching its highest point.
Patients at Cessnock Hospital will also soon have access to a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, allowing more people to receive diagnostic care after strong advocacy from the local member, Clayton Barr.
Cessnock Hospital reaches new heights
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr will today join health staff and workers for a ‘topping out’ event to mark the construction milestone.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $138 million in the project, which is delivering a new two-storey acute services building to meet the growing and changing healthcare needs of the local community.
The new acute services building will support modern models of care, including integrated care for older residents, and provide a safe and welcoming work environment for staff. The new building will include:
- An expanded emergency department.
- Operating theatres and day surgery spaces.
- Two new inpatient wards with single and twin bedrooms, each with an ensuite.
- A sterilising services unit.
- A new medical imaging service.
- A modern pharmacy.
Cessnock Hospital brings imaging into focus
A new CT scanner will be installed at Cessnock Hospital following the completion of the upgrades, significantly expanding imaging capability for the Cessnock area.
The service will include CT, ultrasound and X-ray imaging.
Once operational, the service is expected to reduce the need for some patients requiring CT imaging to be transferred to other facilities, avoiding an estimated 100 return trips each year.
Construction of the redevelopment is due for completion in 2027, and is estimated to support about 250 direct jobs, with the potential to support hundreds of indirect jobs over the life of the project.
The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver the health facilities growing communities like the Hunter need. The 2026-27 NSW Budget invested $11.9 billion to deliver 32 new or upgraded hospitals and 2,500 more hospital beds or treatment spaces across NSW.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the health facilities that growing communities like Cessnock need.
“The Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment is part of the nearly $3 billion the NSW Government is investing in regional hospitals and health facilities over the next four years.
“I know how important it is for communities to access healthcare close to where they live, which is why I am proud to work with local member Clayton Barr to deliver a CT scanner at Cessnock Hospital.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
“Like the rest of the Hunter, Cessnock is growing, and this $138 million redevelopment means local families will have a hospital that grows with them.
“For people across the Cessnock area, having a better hospital with new tech like a CT scanner means high-quality care is closer to home.
“Clayton Barr is a great local member. He is a true local. He was born at Cessnock Hospital, and he has fought hard for this community and particularly for the CT scanner, and it’s great to see that advocacy delivering for Cessnock and the Hunter region.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr:
“Our growing community needs and deserves this redevelopment of our local hospital.
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the Cessnock Hospital redevelopment, as well as new schools and other services throughout the Hunter.
“Having a CT scanner in Cessnock Hospital will allow our medical team to offer a higher quality of care and treatment. Ultimately, it is much better for the patients that need the help of their local Hospital.”
Quotes attributable to Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability, John Barnard-Richardson:
“Our staff are excited to see the new acute services building starting to take shape.
“We look forward to delivering a contemporary health facility in 2027 to support our staff in providing best practice models of care to the Cessnock community.”
