Released 04/07/2023 - Joint media release
The completion of the Canberra Hospital expansion and a new northside hospital headline headline the Health update of the ACT Government’s Infrastructure Plan released today.
The Government is continuing to invest in health infrastructure to meet the growing healthcare needs of our community.
The plan outlines two areas of focus: hospital infrastructure and community health.
This reflects the Government’s commitment to improving acute services infrastructure and delivering more health services in the community.
The Government will continue to invest in infrastructure across the Canberra Hospital campus through the implementation of the Canberra Hospital Masterplan. The plan provides a long-term framework to guide the redevelopment of the campus over the next 20 years.
At the centre of the Masterplan is the new Canberra Hospital Critical Services Building, opening next year.
The Critical Services Building will provide Canberrans with access to a bigger emergency department, more treatment spaces and more operating theatres.
Funding has been provided in the 2023 Budget to progress detailed design of the new northside hospital, which will ultimately see an investment of more than $1 billion.
Additional investments in community health services and primary care will help to keep Canberrans healthy and out of hospital.
The Government will roll out four new Health Centres to deliver community-based services in South Tuggeranong, North Gungahlin, the Inner South and West Belconnen.
These Health Centres will provide integrated multi-disciplinary care with a focus on preventive care and advice, early intervention, and the management of chronic illness.
Through the 2023 Budget, the Government has committed funding to design and construct the South Tuggeranong Health Centre and to begin planning and design work for North Gungahlin and the Inner South.
Other projects identified in the plan include:
- Expanding and upgrading endoscopy suites at the Canberra Hospital to help meet patient demand.
- A fit-for-purpose Acute Palliative Care Ward at Canberra Hospital. Early planning is already underway with construction anticipated to begin late 2024.
- The Watson Health Precinct – a new precinct to support youth mental health and alcohol and other drug services as well as a residential rehabilitation service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.
- A strategic review of community health assets across the ACT to develop a long-term plan for the upgrade, renewal and construction of these facilities.
To view the updated Infrastructure plan, including the health sector updates, visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
The Government is committed to building and maintaining a public health system that provides the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This reflects our commitment to improving acute services infrastructure and delivering more health services in the community.
Next year, Canberrans needing care will have access to one of the best public hospital facilities in Australia through the new Critical Services Building at the Canberra Hospital. It will be an example of what Canberrans can expect at the new North Canberra Hospital as detailed planning and design for that project gets underway.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith:
The Government is committed to building and maintaining an effective and efficient healthcare system that provides quality care to Canberrans.
The recently announced consumer reference group to provide input into all health infrastructure projects across the Territory. This will ensure Canberra’s health facilities are safe, welcoming, and accessible for patients, carers and visitors.
This consumer reference group will complement strong engagement of clinical and other staff, ensuring we reflect the experiences of all who use our health care facilities and build on lessons learned as we continue to deliver significant health infrastructure projects across the Territory.
We will continue to invest in new equipment and infrastructure to ensure our dedicated workforce can provide high-quality care to support the health of our city and region.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases