The state government has committed $307 million to redevelop St George Hospital several years earlier than indicated previously.
Premier Mike Baird and Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced today a new seven-storey acute services building would be built on top of the recently completed emergency department.
They said work would start by the end of this year and the main construction completed by 2017.
Previously, the government’s commitment was to start construction within its next four-year term, if elected, which may not have seen the hospital completed until the end of the decade.
The new facilities will include intensive care, high dependency, cardiac intensive care, more operating theatres, more acute inpatient beds and a sterilising services department.
Mr Baird and Mrs Skinner were flanked by Liberal MPs and the party’s other candidates for St George and Sutherland Shire at the announcement on the site of the old emergency department.
That site will become a 55-space car park for patients and visitors.
Chairman of the hospital's medical staff council Theresa Jacques was delighted.
"We have done the planning with due diligence and Minister Skinner has delivered," she said.
"I would like to thank her on behalf of the senior staff."
Mr Baird said the money was not an unfunded election promise.
"The money, over $300 million, is in the budget, it has been secured and obviously work is under way," he said.
"The community on the ground has waited a long time to see the redevelopment of St George Hospital.
"We started with an improved emergency department, which is already making a difference.
"What you will see is a world class hospital that will make a difference in a daily basis to the communities around the St George and Sutherland areas."
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