Released 06/02/2023 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is continuing to invest in the healthcare infrastructure needed to meet the growing needs of our community with the expansion of the Canberra Hospital.
The new Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital will deliver a bigger emergency department, more operating theatres and more beds.
An additional $8.1 million will be invested to future proof the new building for pandemic response, ensuring the new building is ready and equipped now and into the future. This will include pandemic safe measures in the fit out and design, including enhanced air conditioning to better filter and isolate the circulation of air.
A further $4.9 million will be invested to expand the scope of the building’s Central Sterilising Service Department. This means more equipment can be sterilised faster and more efficiently onsite, improving hospital service delivery.
In addition, $3.9 million is being committed to ensure the Critical Services Building is equipped with more of the latest state-of-the-art clinical equipment. This includes a new Angio-CT machine in a hybrid theatre, which enables imaging of critically unwell patients in the operating theatre in real-time. This improves efficiency in theatres and patient safety outcomes.
These investments reflect the extensive consultation and co-design process that has been and continues to be undertaken with clinicians, hospital staff, user groups and the community.
Construction work on Canberra Hospital’s new Critical Services Building is progressing well. In the coming months all eight levels will be complete and installation of the façade and internal fit outs will continue. The project remains on track to complete construction in 2024.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
The Canberra Hospital Expansion Project is boosting Canberra’s healthcare capacity with more operating rooms, more treatment spaces and more intensive care beds.
This investment ensures that the Critical Services Building is appropriately future proofed and that we implement now the learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic in delivering new infrastructure.
The ACT Government is investing in our city and in infrastructure that is built for Canberra, to ensure that our city continues to be one of the most liveable in the world.
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith:
These additional investments reflect the ACT Government’s commitment to delivering a modern facility that is safe, accessible and welcoming for staff, patients and visitors.
It has been very encouraging to see how engaged clinicians and staff have been in the design of these clinical spaces. Their input has been key in creating a work environment that is state-of-the art and improves workflow and care for patients.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases