$110.2 Million Cowra Hospital Set to Welcome Patients and Community
08 Dec 2025
Cowra and surrounding communities will soon benefit from a major boost in local healthcare, with the new $110.2 million Cowra Hospital preparing to open its doors to patients, staff and visitors.
The purpose-built facility delivers modern infrastructure and expanded services, allowing more people to access the care they need, closer to home. Final preparations are now underway ahead of the hospital’s formal opening, following a successful Community Open Day last weekend that attracted nearly 600 visitors from Cowra and nearby towns. Attendees were able to tour the new building and see firsthand the upgraded facilities.
A detailed relocation plan has been developed to support a smooth transition of staff and services from the existing hospital, helping to minimise disruption to patients and the wider community.
All current health services on the Cowra Hospital campus will move into the new building, with emergency, inpatient and outpatient services—including maternity, surgical and oncology care—beginning operations on Tuesday, 9 December.
Some newly introduced or upgraded services will commence in January as part of a staged opening. These include the hospital’s first-ever CT scanner, new ultrasound services and an expanded dental clinic.
Once the new hospital opens, community members will access all services, including community health, via the new Emergency Department entrance on Brisbane Street. This arrangement will remain in place while the former hospital building is demolished.
Temporary service adjustments may occur in the days leading up to opening as departments relocate. Staff will be available at the current hospital’s main entrance to assist patients and visitors during this period.
What the community needs to know
- The Emergency Department at the existing hospital will remain open until 7:59 am on Tuesday, 9 December. The new Emergency Department and all other services will begin at 8:00 am.
- People with non-urgent health concerns are encouraged to visit their GP or contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to help reduce pressure during the transition.
- NSW Pathology’s outpatient collection centre will close at 4:30 pm on Monday, 8 December, and reopen on the ground floor of the new hospital at 8:30 am on Thursday, 11 December.
- Ambulance and emergency service vehicle access will shift to Brisbane Street once the new hospital opens.
After opening, work will focus on the final stage of the redevelopment, including demolition of the former hospital building, construction of a new on-site car park, and extensive landscaping. During this period, parking near the Emergency Department will be limited, and patients and visitors are advised to allow extra travel time. Additional support measures are being explored to reduce inconvenience.
When completed, the new car park will offer parking close to the hospital’s main entrance, including additional accessible spaces, improving overall access for patients, carers and visitors. Temporary signage will be installed across the campus to guide people to the new Emergency Department entrance.
What leaders are saying
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the opening of the new hospital represents a significant investment in regional healthcare.
“The $110.2 million Cowra Hospital delivers modern, purpose-built facilities that will greatly enhance care and provide better support for staff, patients and their families now and into the future,” he said.
“From emergency and maternity services to upgraded inpatient wards, pathology and medical imaging, the improved technology will make a real difference to patient experience.”
Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence described the opening as a proud moment for the community.
“This is an important milestone for Cowra. The new hospital is an impressive facility, and it gives local staff the modern environment and tools they need to continue delivering high-quality care,” he said.
Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Mark Spittal said the project reflects years of collaboration and planning.
“The new Cowra Hospital has been designed with patients, families and staff at the centre,” he said.
“It was wonderful to see the community turn out in such strong numbers for the Open Day. This hospital belongs to them, and we’re excited to begin this new chapter in local healthcare.”
More information about the project is available through the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment.
News Source: NSW Health
