en.Wedoany.com Reported - Construction has commenced on the expansion of antenatal facilities at Canterbury Hospital in Australia, aiming to improve access to maternity services for women, babies, and families in Sydney's inner west.
Early works include the expansion and refurbishment of the existing antenatal ward, which will nearly double in size and feature new patient areas such as additional ultrasound rooms and consultation rooms. The existing antenatal ward will continue to operate throughout the construction period, with the expanded facilities expected to open in 2027. Building contractor TCQ Construction is working with Health Infrastructure and Sydney Local Health District to minimise impacts on staff, patients, visitors, and the community during construction.
The broader redevelopment project will include a new nine-storey clinical services building, housing a new intensive care unit, inpatient wards, and other hospital support services. The 2026-27 New South Wales Budget has allocated an additional $50 million to accelerate the delivery of enhanced maternity services at Canterbury Hospital, bringing the total redevelopment investment to $400 million. The planning application for the main works was recently publicly exhibited, and feedback is currently being assessed; a separate planning application for the enhanced maternity services component will proceed after further planning and consultation. The construction timeline for the main works will be determined following planning approval and contractor appointment.
New South Wales Minister for Health Ryan Park stated that the redevelopment will provide the necessary infrastructure for a growing community, representing a record investment that will deliver more beds, more services, and better treatment outcomes for patients. Sophie Cotsis, Member for Canterbury, noted that the start of early works is a significant milestone, with the community having waited decades for this hospital upgrade. The expanded antenatal ward will be more than double the size of the existing facility, and from next year, staff, women, and their families can look forward to a facility that meets the growing needs of local families. Deb Willcox, Chief Executive of Sydney Local Health District, said these early works mark the beginning of a transformation that will deliver a modern, purpose-built hospital centred on staff, patients, and the community, serving the needs of future generations.
