Lismore’s St Vincent’s gets a facelift: Sale paused, upgrades on

A longstanding Northern Rivers hospital will continue to provide care after choosing to refurbish and upgrade the hospital rather than selling. See the pictures.

In 1920 four Sisters of Charity travelled by train from Sydney to establish St Vincent's Hospital in a two-storey timber house in Dalley Street, Lismore.

St Vincent’s Hospital Lismore will undergo a rejuvenation project throughout 2025 and 2026, with plans for its sale now paused.

The hospital aims to enhance patient care and staff opportunities through ongoing investment.

Recent upgrades include interior and exterior painting, new carpets and furniture, bathroom renovations, and updated signage.

CEO Alan Cooper emphasised the hospital’s commitment to the Northern Rivers community.

“Our primary focus is on delivering outstanding care, ensuring an excellent patient experience, and offering rewarding careers for our staff,” he said.

St Vincent's Private Hospital Lismore before and after restorative works. Picture: supplied

St Vincent's Private Hospital Lismore before and after restorative works. Picture: supplied

The hospital, a fixture in the region for over a century, recently achieved a perfect score in its Australian Council on Healthcare Standards review (ACHS).

Investments extend to patient ward renovations, new staff uniforms, childcare and aged care facility upgrades, and an eye clinic upgrade.

St Vincent's Private Hospital Lismore before and after restorative works. Picture: supplied

St Vincent's Private Hospital Lismore before and after restorative works. Picture: supplied

The hospital is also streamlining patient admissions.

A new Clinical Care Manager will enable GPs to directly admit patients to St Vincent’s specialists, reducing pressure on public emergency departments.

St Vincent's Private Hospital Lismore before and after restorative works. Picture: supplied

St Vincent's Private Hospital Lismore before and after restorative works. Picture: supplied

“St Vincent’s Hospital Lismore is very much in business, providing continuity of care to our wonderful Northern Rivers Community.” Cooper said.

Private patients can request transfers from public emergency departments to St Vincent’s.

St Vincent’s aims to be an employer of choice, offering career pathways for healthcare professionals.

Cooper highlighted the role of staff: “Our staff are the backbone of the hospital and I am proud to lead them into a new era.”

Originally published as Lismore’s St Vincent’s gets a facelift: Sale paused, upgrades on