A new 108-bed hospital planned for Tinley Manor could become a significant addition to the region’s healthcare services.

The R456-million Sonjulo Private Hospital had its official sod-turning last Friday, with construction expected to begin before the end of the year.

The Courier first reported on plans for the hospital in late 2023, but the planned start of construction in early 2024 was delayed. Hospital spokesperson Gert Kruger said all planning approvals were now in place and the appointment of a contractor was being finalised.

Set on the site of the former Trinityhouse school, on the border of Palm Lakes Family Estate, the hospital is slated for a range of specialist care services. Kruger said it would include a high-capacity catheterisation laboratory, an advanced hybrid operating theatre suite and comprehensive mother and child healthcare services, including a specialised neonatal intensive care unit. Plans also include surgical beds, theatres, general and cardiac ICUs, radiology, pathology laboratories and a pharmacy.

One of the driving forces behind the hospital project, KwaDukuza doctor Lucky Malevu, called the sod-turning a ‘historic milestone’.

“The hospital will be co-owned and co-driven by doctors, but operator-managed,” he said.

Construction is expected to create more than 800 temporary jobs, while hundreds of permanent jobs are anticipated once the hospital opens. A completion date has not yet been confirmed.