At a cost of $750 million, work on the hospital has been fast-tracked by the New South Wales Government by about 12 months, and is now set to begin within six months.
Premier of NSW Gladys Berejiklian described the project as a “game-changer” for both patients and staff, and she added:
“Innovation will be the cornerstone of the redevelopment, incorporating new models of care including an expansion of rpavirtual, which has treated more than 4,000 patients at home and in Special Health Accommodation.”
Redevelopment of the hospital will include construction of a brand new building, as well as a total refurbishment of other existing spaces. These will include the expansion of the emergency department and additional inpatient beds for adults, services for medical imaging, operating theatres, the intensive care unit and neonatal, birthing and maternity services.
The project's acceleration is also expected to generate thousands of new jobs, which will help in New South Wales’ plan for recovery from COVID-19. Major works such as those being undertaken at RPA often generate additional demand for other local businesses, such as printing services.
The latest phase of the redevelopment follows the establishment in 2014 of the Professor Marie Bashir Centre on the site, and a car park in 2018. It is anticipated the new hospital will be open for business in 2026-27.