The future of the historic David Berry Hospital is taking shape, with a newly released consultation report revealing the local community's strong desire to see its vital end-stage palliative care services continue on-site. This comes as the NSW government reaffirms the site will remain in public hands, even as its clinical services transition to the redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital in the coming months.
Community Vision for a Health Hub
Consultants RPS, tasked with gathering feedback, engaged directly with over 130 community members and staff through focus groups and pop-up events. Their report, made public in January 2026, outlines a wealth of innovative suggestions from the public for the hospital's future role.
The overwhelming consensus was a commitment to preserving healthcare at the David Berry Hospital, with particular emphasis on its valued palliative care services for the region's ageing population. Beyond this core function, the community proposed a diverse range of additional health and support services.
These ideas include establishing a wellness centre, a dementia daycare unit, and facilities offering mental health and PTSD support. Other suggestions involved providing allied health services, aged care support, and even accommodation for healthcare workers or their families. The report also noted community interest in complementary uses like medical consulting rooms and potential partnerships with private providers to broaden offerings and help manage costs.
Government Commitment and Heritage Considerations
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park addressed the report's findings, acknowledging the hospital's century-long role in the community. "Although no longer suitable for its original purpose, it's important that the continued future use of the site aligns with the values and needs of all members of the local community," Mr Park stated.
He emphasised that the government is dedicated to meaningful engagement, ensuring the site "will remain a meaningful presence for the health of the region." The report itself cautions that any new developments must carefully respect the site's heritage status and physical constraints.
Formal Aboriginal Engagement to Commence
A significant and separate phase of consultation is set to begin shortly, focusing on the local Aboriginal community. Minister Park recognised the site's complex history, stating, "We recognise the negative impact the site has had on local Aboriginal communities, through systemic racism, historical colonial policies and the impact on local Elders related to the Stolen Generations and their families."
Formal Aboriginal-led engagement activities are scheduled to commence ahead of a final engagement report due by mid-2026. This feedback will be considered alongside the broader community's views in finalising plans for the site.
State Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, welcomed the progress, noting her advocacy for "community consultation and community-led decisions" regarding the hospital's future. The government's spokesperson confirmed that the Berry community and surrounding areas are guaranteed an ongoing health presence at the David Berry Hospital location, solidifying its future as a key asset for regional well-being.
