A NEW multi‑storey inpatient unit will be the centrepiece of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital upgrade, with site plans now available.
The NSW Government is investing $265 million to deliver a major redevelopment of Port Macquarie Base Hospital, representing the largest upgrade of the facility since it was built in 1994.
The release of the master plan and concept design outlines the proposed layout, including new and enhanced patient accommodation to allow for future population growth.
“The unveiling of this master plan means we are one step closer to delivering the largest upgrade since Port Macquarie Base Hospital was built,” said Minister for Health Ryan Park.
“More hospitals, more beds, lower wait times, and better patient outcomes. It’s as simple as that.”
Key features include a new four‑storey inpatient unit building, an expansion of the Emergency Department, new Maternity and Neonatal units, and a Mechanical system upgrades across several existing hospital buildings. According to Minister Park, the designs have been informed by extensive consultation with clinicians.
Survey works have now been completed inside the hospital and around the grounds, utilising body-worn scanning camera technology to provide precise measurements of the facilities.
Over 20 spaces and the majority of rooms were measured as part of the scanning, along with scans of the hospital exterior which were captured by a drone.
Construction timeframes for the redevelopment will be confirmed once a builder has been appointed.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Wong said, “The expansion of the Emergency Department and delivery of modern birthing services is great news for our community and will have an impact for generations to come.
“It’s exciting to see what’s planned for our hospital and I am looking forward to watching this project progress.”
As part of the redevelopment, local Elders, Traditional Owners, NSW Health staff and the project team came together this week for a walk on Country led by Aunty Rhonda Radley.
“The walk offered time to reflect, learn and connect with the natural corridor behind the hospital, exploring the textures, colours, sounds and stories held in Country,” NSW Health said in a statement.
“Aunty Rhonda’s storytelling shared the cultural, environmental and historical layers of the site, insights that will directly guide the design of the new hospital spaces.”
Staff, local residents and health partners are encouraged to review the proposed designs and share their feedback on the redevelopment.
A series of public information sessions will be held in March, providing an opportunity to meet the project team, ask questions and contribute to the planning process.
Sessions will be held at Settlement City (Tuesday 10 March, 8am-12pm), Port Central Shopping Centre (Tuesday 10 March, 3-6pm), Kempsey Central Shopping Centre (Wednesday 11 March, 11am-1pm) and Outside Ritchie’s IGA Wauchope (Wednesday 11 March 2026, 3.30pm-5.30pm). Bookings are not required.
Community members can also provide feedback by emailing HI-PortMacquarieInfraUpgrade@health.nsw.gov.au.
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