The $300 million hospital, located on the corner of Angas and Pulteney Streets in Adelaide’s central business district, is the first new private hospital building in South Australia for nearly 20 years. The hospital project, due for completion late 2018 and opening in 2019, is expected to generate more than 500 jobs during construction.

John Watkins describes the hospital as a significant milestone. “This is a landmark project for Calvary and is by far the biggest investment we have ever made in a hospital anywhere in Australia. The new hospital continues the work of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary who have served the people of South Australia for over 100 years. It is a statement of confidence in the South Australian economy and Calvary’s ongoing commitment to the long term health care needs of the people of Adelaide.”

The new Calvary Adelaide Hospital will:

• complement the existing services offered by the iconic Calvary North Adelaide Hospital and Calvary Central Districts Hospital at Elizabeth Vale

• replace the Calvary Wakefield Hospital in Wakefield Street, and the Calvary Rehabilitation Hospital at Walkerville. The Wakefield and Walkerville sites, currently leased by Calvary, are under consideration for a number of alternative uses.

Mr Mark Doran, Calvary’s National CEO, highlighted the significance of the new hospital’s scope. “Our new facility will deliver orthopaedic, cardiac, neurosurgical and rehabilitation specialities. Additionally, the increased capacity of the 24 hour Emergency Department will ensure an ongoing service to the South Australian community.”

Premier Jay Weatherill congratulated Calvary and said the construction of the new hospital is great news for local employment.

“This build will create more than 500 jobs in the heart of the city, and once finished will be a great addition to Adelaide’s private health network. I thank Calvary for choosing this as the site for their largest ever investment.”

The new state-of-the-art facility will provide capacity for 340 beds, with 16 operating theatres and precinct parking for more than 500 cars.

Guests attending the site blessing included the Hon. Jay Weatherill, Premier of South Australia; Most Reverend Philip Wilson, Archbishop of Adelaide; Mr Bill d’Apice, Chair of Calvary Ministries; and Sister Bernadette Fitzgerald, Sister Kathleen Cotterill, Sister Anne Sheridan and Sister Mary Glowry of the Little Company of Mary.