Tasman Private Hospital and New Town medical centre project
Media Release
26 April 2020
New Town hospital and medical centre project back to Hobart City Council
National short stay hospital specialist Nexus Hospitals has lodged a new Development Application (DA) with the Hobart City Council for its proposed hospital and medical centre at 48-52 New Town Road.
Nexus CEO Andrew Petering said after significant consultation during mediation with Hobart City Council officers and nearby residents, the company elected to put “on hold” the present appeal process which related to its original DA, and to seek development approval from Council for a revised design.
“While the amended design reflected in the new DA retains the purpose and function of the original development, we have made substantial alterations and improvements in line with feedback received from Council and residents,” he said. “We are hopeful the revised design will receive support from Council.”
The proposed privately-funded $55 million specialist surgical hospital will feature six operating theatres and a 24-bed overnight ward. In addition, the associated medical centre will accommodate primary health services such as a GP practice, pharmacy, radiology and pathology services.
The project is a joint-venture between Nexus Hospitals and Contact Group, a Tasmanian-based family construction business. Mr Petering said if approved, the development would take approximately 20 months to build.
“There is an increasing demand for hospital services in Hobart,” he said. “We feel the development of a modern, state of the art surgical facility in Hobart presents an important addition to the health infrastructure servicing the Hobart community. Nexus has a well-established track record of cooperation with the public health system.”
“Tasman Private Hospital will be in strong position to continue supporting public patients as well as those privately insured. The current COVID-19 crisis has only highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private and public health system in meeting community health requirements. The new facility will benefit those relationships going forward and provide additional resources in Hobart.”
The Nexus model partners with doctors to develop a facility that meets local patient requirements, supports a best practice clinical environment for doctors and provides opportunities for young doctors and health professionals to remain in Hobart in a very competitive national health market. The hospital is expected to employ more than 130 staff, with further employment opportunities within the integrated medical hub. The centre will be serviced by substantial on-site undercover parking.
Nexus operates a network of 15 specialist short stay hospitals across Australia and partners with doctors to support innovative, evidence-based models of care.
Nexus already has a presence in Hobart at Hobart Day Surgery which has provided services in ophthalmology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, facio-maxillary surgery, ENT and dental surgery for more than 25 years.
Mr Petering said Nexus has received strong support for the new facility from thousands of patients who had been treated at Hobart Day Surgery.
“Hobart patients deserve easy access to world-class, integrated co-located health services with good parking,” he said.