The Sydney Business Chamber, Western Sydney has described the State Government’s $550 million upgrade to Nepean Hospital as a great start to the revitalisation process of the run-down health centre.

David Borger, Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, Western Sydney, said, “The Government’s announcement for the hospital’s redevelopment is good news for the people of Western Sydney and will be a jobs engine for the area.

“I am pleased the hospital’s redevelopment will start immediately, with plans including more than 200 overnight beds, an extra 10 birthing suites, 12 new operating theatres, a new MRI, a helipad and car park.

“The hospital’s emergency department is one of the busiest in NSW so it makes sense to give it the attention it deserves.

Mr Borger said research undertaken by the Sydney Business Chamber showed that health precincts had the ability to generate thousands of jobs.

“For example, our research has shown that the health precinct at Westmead could generate up to 50,000 jobs in the next 20 years.

“It is great that there are plans in place to start the hospital’s upgrade which will service the catchment area for years to come and will be a positive outcome for the jobs economy.

“This hospital has been under pressure for a long time so this upgrade will allow for the hospital to cater for the needs of Western Sydney’s growing population,” he said.