Heath Minister Jillian Skinner today announced $500,000 to plan Stage 2 of the redevelopment of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.

Mrs Skinner made the announcement as she joined Member for Hornsby Matt Kean to view progress on Stage 1 of the redevelopment, which is valued at $120 million.

“Matt Kean has been a tireless advocate for a state-of-the-art hospital to serve the Hornsby community,” Mrs Skinner said.

“After 16 years of Labor neglect, the NSW Liberal & Nationals Government is ensuring that dream takes shape – and each day of construction brings it closer to reality.”

Stage 1 of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital redevelopment is the new, multi-storey STAR Building, which will house Surgical, Theatres, Anaesthetic and Recovery services. It will include eight operating theatres, an additional three inpatient wards with 28-beds each and sterilising department. The STAR Building is scheduled for completion mid-2015.

The STAR building will directly link to the existing HOPE Building (Hornsby Obstetric Paediatric and Emergency services), which incorporates the hospital’s emergency department.

Mrs Skinner said today’s announcement of $500,000 would allow planning for Stage 2 of the redevelopment – a purpose-built facility which would likely connect to the STAR Building.

Stage 2 will prioritise increased inpatient beds, paediatric, imaging and ambulatory care services, as well as an upgrade to the emergency department. It is expected planning for Stage 2 will be finalised by late 2014.

“The Northern Sydney Local Health District Board will consult with clinicians and staff to determine details of Stage 2 based on future clinical needs of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital,” Mrs Skinner said.

Mr Kean said he is incredibly proud to be a member of a Government which is delivering on its commitment to the people of Hornsby.

“You only have to pass the site to understand the pace at which the builders are moving,” Mr Kean said.

“There is a great sense of anticipation about the STAR Building, which is about to rise to become the centrepiece of this redevelopment.

“The people of Hornsby deserve a state-of-the-art hospital close to home, while the skilled staff who work in our hospital deserve an environment which matches their high standards of care,” he said.