The George Centre private maternity, pediatric hospital for Gregory Hills

Construction is ahead of schedule for NSW’s first $500 million private pediatric and maternity hospital, which will cater for the booming Camden region.

Plans for NSW’s first $500 million private pediatric and maternity hospital to cater for the booming Camden region have been revealed.

Arcurio Health and ASX-listed Home Consortium’s HealthCo are developing the 5 hectare facility, to be called The George Centre, at Gregory Hills.

The George Centre will house 78 beds including 57 for overnight patients across pediatric, adolescent and maternity wards, a day surgery centre, five operating theatres, four delivery suites, two endoscopic suites and a critical care unit, radiology and pathology services, a pharmacy and a multi-storey carpark.

Acurio’s chief strategy officer Dr Robert Lin said construction on the $100 million first stage of the three-stage project started at the beginning of September and was ahead of schedule.

he George Centre at Gregory Hills will be the state’s first private pediatric and maternity hospital.

There are 150 workers who are removing 13,000kg of materials and pouring concrete at the corner of Hermitage Way and Gregory Hills Drive.

The project has attracted strong feedback from the medical fraternity and the public.

“A lot of people say ‘I wish it was there’ for their kids but it’s never too late,’’ Dr Lin said.

Acurio founder and medical director Associate Professor, Andrew Chang, who is naming The George Centre after his late father, said half of the Camden region’s residents were forced to travel outside the area for health services, particularly pediatric and maternity.

“By bringing these services together, The George Centre will reduce the burden of travelling

long distances for specialist care,” he said.

“There is a strong need for additional healthcare facilities in the area, particularly a dedicated inpatient paediatric service.

“We are building the largest private maternity and paediatric hospital in Sydney to ensure the community has access to exceptional care.”

The growing Camden region is expected to match Canberra’s population.

Arcurio Health CEO Scott Fowler said The George Centre would expand after stage one was completed, possibly earlier than mid-2023.

“It’s the first private paediatric and maternity facility in NSW, it’s investing in the fastest growing corridor in NSW — if not Australia — and it’s the anchor of a large precinct that will be built over the next five years or so with HomeCo to provide a dedicated health precinct for Camden,’’ he said.

Camden state Liberal MP Peter Sidgreaves welcomed the project.

“Almost 20, per cent of babies in our state are born in southwest Sydney,’’ he said.

“The Camden LGA has the fastest population growth in NSW.

The George Centre’s first stage is due to open in just two years.

“Over the next 10 years, the Macarthur region’s growth is forecast to grow by 27 per cent –

making it almost the size of Canberra’s population.’’

Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli said more than 100 residents moved into the area each week.

“Many of these new residents are young families, and it’s incredibly important that they have high quality services close to home,’’ she said.

“An increase in local medical services and facilities, was identified as a priority by local children and families and helped inform Camden’s Children and Families Strategy.

“The George Centre is a step in the right direction for our fantastic area and I look forward to seeing this new medical facility come to fruition.”

The three-stage hospital will be built over five hectares.