Wollongong Hospital

Overview

Wollongong Hospital is a major regional healthcare facility serving Wollongong and surrounding communities in the Illawarra region of NSW. With approximately 550 beds, this principal referral hospital provides comprehensive specialist services including emergency care, intensive care, complex cardiac procedures, neurosurgery, comprehensive cancer care, and specialised surgical treatments. Operating as the flagship facility of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, the hospital offers highly specialised units including a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit, cardiac catheterisation laboratories, and comprehensive cancer center. Located in Wollongong approximately 80 kilometers south of Sydney, the hospital serves a catchment population of around 400,000 people across the Illawarra region. Wollongong Hospital plays a crucial role as the major referral center for the South Coast, providing comprehensive tertiary services that significantly reduce the need for patients to travel to Sydney for specialised care. The facility has undergone several major expansions in recent years, including the Illawarra Elective Surgical Services Centre and expanded emergency department. The hospital serves as a major teaching facility affiliated with the University of Wollongong, supporting healthcare education and clinical research while continuing to expand its service capabilities to meet the diverse needs of the Illawarra community.