AA Crown Holdings, the consortium behind the hospital, has lodged a development application with Wollongong City Council to build on the north-west corner of the hospital block.

The current single-storey brick home on the Urunga Parade site would be demolished to make way for a multi-storey addition which would have an internal bridge link to the existing hospital.

Eighteen beds, three operating theatres, a hyperbaric chamber, retail area and medical suites would be included in the new development, which is on public exhibition until November 16.

According to the plans, car parking provisions in place at the existing hospital – more than 300 spaces – would accommodate any expansion.

Emergency parking would be provided for a new hyperbaric chamber, which would provide oxygen therapy for serious infections and wounds that won’t heal as a result of diabetes or radiation injury. 

AA Crown Holdings has also lodged a DA for a proposed $27.3 million day surgery complex adjacent to the private hospital. The private day surgery at 1-3 Urunga Parade, would also include a hyperbaric chamber as well as expanded theatre and inpatient facilities.

AA Crown Holdings director –  and vascular surgeon – Arthur Stanton said both developments would help to cater for the increased demand for health services in the region. ‘’Hopefully council will look favourably on the development applications which will serve to strengthen hospital and medical facilities available to the region,’’ he said.

The existing $90 million hospital – which opened its doors in January – is operated by Ramsay Health Care and includes 150 beds and nine theatres.

According to the plans, the expanded facility would provide jobs in the fields of consulting and specialist practice.  

It would also see the provision of jobs during the construction and operational phases of the development.

Both DAs will also be assessed by the Joint Regional Planning Panel, due to their high capital investment value.