A multi-storey private day surgery is being proposed for a site inbetween Wollongong’s public and private hospitals – and right next door to the city’s existing day surgery.
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AA Crown Holdings – the consortium behind the new private hospital – has lodged a development application with Wollongong City Council for the proposed $27.3 million complex at 1-3 Urunga Parade.
An existing unit block and house on the site would be demolished to make way for construction of the day surgery which would include five operational levels and basement parking for 76 cars.
AA Crown Holdings director – and vascular surgeon – Arthur Stanton said the complex would reinforce the location as a major medical precinct.
‘’There’s a lack of theatre time for day surgery in the area and this three-theatre complex will provide improved and enhanced services for the area,’’ Dr Stanton said.
‘’It will augment that whole area – historically known as hospital hill – and work synergistically with the private and public hospitals and other day surgery.
‘’And we’re not just proposing a new building that does the same thing as existing buildings – we want to add more theatres and more services that would not otherwise be provided – that’s the real added value of this plan.’’
One of those new facilities would be a hyperbaric chamber, to provide oxygen therapy for serious infections and wounds that won’t heal as a result of diabetes or radiation injury.
‘’One of the main uses is to treat diabetic ulcers in the legs and feet and to minimise the risk and treat radiation injury in cancer treatment,’’ Dr Stanton said.
‘’One of the problems is that it’s not available on the South Coast so people either can’t get it or have to travel to Sydney to be treated.’’
As well as operating theatre and inpatient expansions, the complex would also feature medical consulting suites, providing additional jobs in the fields of consulting and specialist practice.
The design of the building aims to create a visual presence on the corner block, with the use of dark-coloured cladding and tinted glazing.
Dr Stanton said if the DA were approved, he envisaged it would be built in the next five years.
Due to its high capital investment value, the plan will also be assessed by the Joint Regional Planning Panel.
As well the panel will be assessing a separate $18.5 million alteration and addition application for Wollongong Private Hospital. Details of this application have not yet been made public.
Plans for the day surgery, which will have a total floor area of 2430sqm and height of 24 metres, are on public exhibition until November 9.
