The South Australian government has unveiled the first detailed look inside the state's monumental new healthcare facility, the $3.2 billion Women's and Children's Hospital, providing a glimpse into the future of specialised medical care in Adelaide.
Premier Peter Malinauskas and Health Minister Chris Picton released the new artist impressions and floor plans, showcasing a hospital designed from the ground up with patients, families, and staff at its core. The facility is on track to open its doors and begin welcoming patients in late 2026.
A Facility Built for Healing and Comfort
Moving far beyond the traditional, sterile hospital environment, the new design prioritises light, space, and connection to nature. A key feature is the expansive ‘Main Street’ running through the heart of the building. This central atrium will be flooded with natural light and filled with greenery, creating a welcoming and calming environment for families during what can be a stressful time.
Every single inpatient room will be a private suite, offering families increased privacy and comfort. The rooms are also significantly larger than those in the existing hospital, with dedicated zones for clinical care, patient recovery, and family support, including overnight accommodation for parents.
The hospital's layout has been meticulously planned to improve clinical workflows and patient journeys. Key departments such as the emergency department, operating theatres, and intensive care units are strategically co-located to enhance efficiency and safety for the most critically ill children and mothers.
World-Class Clinical and Research Capabilities
This is more than just a new building; it represents a generational leap in healthcare infrastructure. The hospital will house South Australia's first dedicated paediatric emergency department, a crucial development for treating sick and injured children in a tailored, child-friendly setting.
It will also feature:
- A new, larger Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
- Advanced operating theatres specifically designed for complex women's and children's surgery.
- Integrated research and education facilities within the ‘Health and Biomedical Research Precinct’, fostering innovation alongside clinical care.
- Significantly expanded mental health spaces for young people, addressing a critical area of need.
Premier Malinauskas emphasised the project's scale and importance, stating it is the largest investment in South Australian healthcare history. He highlighted that the design is the result of extensive consultation with hundreds of healthcare workers, former patients, and families to ensure it meets the community's needs.
The Road to Completion and Lasting Impact
Construction on the massive project is progressing steadily on the site adjacent to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) in Adelaide's biomedical precinct. The government confirmed the project remains on schedule for a 2026 opening, with major structural work well underway.
Health Minister Chris Picton framed the new hospital as an essential upgrade, noting the current Women's and Children's Hospital building is over 100 years old and no longer fit for purpose. The new facility is designed to serve the state for the next century, with flexibility to adapt to future medical technologies and treatments.
The integration with the RAH and the broader biomedical precinct is a strategic masterstroke. It allows for seamless collaboration with adult specialists and researchers, ensuring a continuum of care and positioning Adelaide as a national leader in women's and children's health.
This landmark project promises not only to transform the physical skyline of Adelaide's west end but, more importantly, to elevate the standard of healthcare for South Australian families for generations to come, making the state a destination for world-class medical treatment and research.
