Master plan released for Rouse Hill hospital at Commercial Rd and Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill

The booming northwest Sydney community is one step closer to receiving a new hospital with the release of a detailed $300m master plan for a long-awaited site. See what it would include.

The booming northwest Sydney community is one step closer to receiving a new hospital with the release of a $300 million masterplan for the long-awaited Rouse Hill hospital.

The hospital would sit at the intersection of Commercial Rd and Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill — an area undergoing rapid population growth and increased urbanisation.

In June, there were concerns when details about an emergency department at the hospital failed to emerge, with allegations the promise of a department was just a “quick fix” to placate the local community.

Greenway federal Labor MP Michelle Rowland, who initiated a petition with more than 2000 signatures requesting the facility, wrote to Health Minister Brad Hazzard on April 13 “significantly concerned” over the lack of details about the announcement.

She sought to know the emergency department capacity, how many staff would be expected to operate it and information about its expected functions and capabilities.

Overview of the new Rouse Hill Hospital master plan.

A 2019 artist impression the long-awaited Rouse Hill Hospital.

“Our campaign forced the NSW Liberals to change course and agree to an emergency department,’’ Ms Rowland said. “But now, they’ve vanished when it comes to explaining the details of what will be delivered at Rouse Hill Hospital.”

But on Thursday Health Minister Brad Hazzard confirmed the new hospital will include emergency services, as well as inpatient and outpatient services designed to take advantage of digital innovations in healthcare.

“The Master Plan released today for the Rouse Hill Hospital ensures communities in north western Sydney will have access to the very best health care much closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.

Rouse Hill Hospital Ministerial announcement on 24 November 2022: (L-R) Member for Riverstone Kevin Connolly, Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams.

“The Master Plan released today for the Rouse Hill Hospital ensures communities in north western Sydney will have access to the very best health care much closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The new hospital will be specifically designed and built to embrace advanced digital technology and innovative models of care to bring world-class care right into the home.”

These models include “One Health”, a co-located emergency department, urgent care centre and general practitioner services with access to pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services.

There are also plans for “One Health” short stay care and “InTouch Care” which will provide digital healthcare connectivity across hospital, community and home settings.

Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has also been lodged — taking the hospital one step closer to completion.

“The SSDA will allow enabling works to start onsite such as installing road access and in-ground services including water, electricity and gas,” Mr Williams said.

“I look forward to seeing early works commence in early 2023 following the review and finalisation of the clinical services plan and planning approval.”

When complete, Rouse Hill Hospital will feature urgent and emergency care, a day surgery unit, adult and paediatric short stay facilities, outpatient care, pre rehabilitation, rehabilitation and a multistorey car park.

Western Sydney Local Health District will work in partnership with NSW health on the next phases of the project with the aim of commencing construction in early 2023.