Sunshine children’s hospital a step closer

Aoibhinn Crockett, Health minister Jill Hennessy and Natalie Suleyman. (Supplied)

The new $200 million Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Sunshine came a step closer with the state government’s announcement of Lend Lease as the builder.

A community advisory group, led by St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman, will incorporate local feedback and ideas to help shape the 173-bed project.

Works are expected to begin on the new hospital in the second half of this year, with the addition of 39 special-care nursery cots, four theatres and additional clinics creating up to 600 new jobs in the construction phase.

It is projected more than 7000 babies a year will be delivered at Sunshine hospital within a decade.