The Minns Labor Government says it is moving to address long-standing capacity issues at Blacktown Hospital, with additional hospital beds now set to be delivered a year ahead of schedule.

A building contractor has been appointed to deliver 30 additional beds at Blacktown Hospital, as part of a broader $ 120 million upgrade to both Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals. The expansion is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Across the two hospitals, the project will deliver 60 additional acute inpatient beds, aimed at easing pressure on emergency departments, improving patient flow and supporting frontline hospital staff.

The NSW Government says bringing forward the delivery reflects its commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of Western Sydney, particularly as population growth continues to place strain on existing hospital infrastructure.

Blacktown Hospital’ s Emergency Department currently sees more than 64,000 patients each year, with highacuity( triage category two) presentations having doubled since 2015.

The Blacktown Hospital expansion will include new patient rooms and upgraded

clinical and non-clinical support spaces. Construction will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption, with hospital services remaining operational throughout the works.

Building contractor Icon has been awarded the project following a competitive tender process, with work expected to begin in the coming weeks.

A planning application has also been lodged for additional beds at Mount Druitt Hospital, aimed at increasing medical and surgical capacity.

The bed expansion comes as NSW hospitals face increasing pressure from so-called“ bed block”, where patients are unable to be discharged due to delays in accessing Commonwealth-funded aged care or NDIS placements. At Blacktown Hospital, the number of patients waiting for discharge almost tripled in the year to October 2025, rising from seven to 18. The NSW Government says it is working with the Commonwealth on a new National Health Reform Agreement to address the issue.

Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said the early delivery would help ease pressure on the hospital.

“ There’ s more work to do but getting these new beds online ahead of schedule will relieve pressure and improve the

patient experience,” Mr Bali said. Member for Prospect Hugh

McDermott said the project was overdue.

“ We’ re delivering the hospital beds our Western Sydney families have been waiting for, bringing faster care and real relief for patients and staff,” he said.

Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla said the expansion would make a significant difference.

“ These extra beds are absolutely crucial and will improve patient flow and relieve pressure on our emergency department,” Mr Atalla said. The Minns Government has also highlighted wider health investments across Western Sydney in the 2025 – 26 budget, including funding for a new Bankstown Hospital, the planned Rouse Hill Hospital, and major upgrades at Westmead.