Where will the Warrawong Community Health Centre be built?

The new WCHC will be built on the south-east corner of the existing Port Kembla Hospital site, near the existing Illawarra Brain Injury Service.

Why has this site been chosen?
The site was chosen after an extensive site selection process involving key executive representatives, the project team, and property specialists was undertaken.
Reasons include:

• Site knowledge, location and size
• Parking availability and access
• Community (no property acquisitions required)
• Construction timeframe.

When will the WCHC be built?
As we are currently in the very early planning stages of the WCHC project, construction timeframes will be confirmed once the planning has sufficiently progressed.

What is the planning process moving forward?
We don’t know the exact planning pathway yet, however we will keep you informed throughout the entire process. Consultation with the local community and relevant stakeholder will occur as part of any planning process.

What services will be offered at the new health centre?
Services will be confirmed following completion of the Local Health District’s health planning. However as with the new community services at Ulladulla and Dapto the centre will bring together a range of services from across the District including community Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, community nursing and Child and Family services, all working together to provide services in one purpose-built facility. 

What will happen to the rest of Port Kembla Hospital?

It is a sad reality that all health buildings age and reach a point where they need a rebuild or modernisation work. Port Kembla Hospital was officially opened in 1965 and is coming to the end of its useful life.
Hospital design has advanced greatly since Port Kembla was opened, including in the design of patient wards, the use of technology, work health and safety considerations and functionality. Our facilities need to be fit for purpose and reflect contemporary ways of working.