Funding Boost to Create Homes at Rouse Hill Hospital

NSW government funding for the future Rouse Hill Hospital Campus has risen from $300m to $700m to increase the scope of the project.

The boost is aimed at addressing healthcare staff shortages by including worker accommodation and childcare. 

The 2.2ha site at the corner of Commercial and Windsor roads, Rouse Hill was acquired in July, 2021 from a private landowner. 

A masterplan and concept application were lodged in 2022, with a maximum height of 32m proposed for the project.

It included a full hospital campus model with emergency department, day surgery, in-patient beds, short stay, pathology, pharmacy, medical imaging, virtual care, outpatient services, women’s health, administration and car parking.

The design and consultation phase for the Rouse Hill Hospital was expected to continue through 2023 ahead of main works construction beginning in 2024.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the project would be delivered in a single stage to respond to the health needs of the communities in north-west Sydney. 

▲ Rouse Hill Hospital general manager Julia Underwood with Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby and Health Minister Ryan Park.

“Rouse Hill Hospital will be one of the first hospitals under our government to combine the best contemporary healthcare facilities with services that support our highly skilled workforce, including childcare and health worker accommodation,”  Park said.

He said a key component of the Rouse Hill Hospital development was attracting a skilled multi-disciplinary health workforce. 

▲ Plans for the development were submitted in 2022.

Julia Underwood has been announced as general manager of the hospital and will focus on establishing the executive team at Rouse Hill Hospital as well as operational, governance and built environment plans.

Creating accomodation specifically for healthcare workers to boost asset values was a key concern identified by investment firms.

On Sydney’s North Shore, developer Thirdi and joint-venture partner Phoenix Property Investors were plannning to help address this shortage with an over-station-development at Crows Nest.