We invite the local community to have their say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site

We invite the local community to have their say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site

David Berry Hospital has been a cherished part of our community, serving as a healthcare facility for over a century. As healthcare services transition to the modern Shoalhaven Hospital, we are committed to exploring options for the future of the David Berry Hospital site that reflect community values and needs.

As we plan for its future, we must consider the hospital’s historical significance, legislative considerations, and community needs. The hospital is situated on land vested in the Crown, which must be used for public purposes, including healthcare and other community benefits. The current infrastructure, dating back to 1909, poses challenges for modern healthcare delivery and requires thoughtful consideration of future use options.

From September to October 2024, the NSW Government invited the local community to participate in a survey to share their views on potential future uses and partnership opportunities for the David Berry Hospital. You can read the David Berry Hospital Community Engagement Summary Report, summarising what we heard.

Important update: Postponement of community pop-up and staff forum events

Severe weather is expected to impact parts of NSW on Wednesday 2 July, including heavy rainfall, damaging winds, thunderstorms and flooding. We regret to inform you that the community pop-up and staff forum events to be held on Wednesday 2 July will be postponed. These events will be rescheduled to the week commencing 21 July, with details to be provided in the coming weeks. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Please keep an eye on this website for further updates. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Next Stages of Engagement

To support this process, NSW Health has commissioned an independent consultant, RPS, to facilitate detailed conversations with a broad range of community members and stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives help shape the future of the hospital site.

The planned engagement includes:

  • Community pop-up events: The community pop-up events planned for Wednesday 2 July have been postponed. These events will be rescheduled to the week commencing 21 July, with details to be provided in the coming weeks. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
  • First Nations Engagement: Our First Nations Officer will be visiting the Berry community at the end of June to hold yarning circles for those who wish to participate and share their stories and ideas.
  • Focus groups: Ten focus group sessions are scheduled for the weeks commencing 21 and 28 July 2025, offering a valuable opportunity to share ideas, hear from others, and help shape the future of the David Berry Hospital site.
  • Staff forum: The staff forum for Wednesday 2 July has been postponed. The forum will be rescheduled to the week commencing 21 July, with details to be provided in the coming weeks. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

To register your interest in participating in a focus group, please complete the Microsoft form here.

Please note that places are limited, and not all applicants will be able to be accommodated in the upcoming sessions. The focus groups will be held in Berry, and participants will receive compensation for their time. We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your continued involvement.