Released 08/04/2024
Thousands of extra procedures will be performed at North Canberra Hospital, with the opening of a new state-of-the-art endoscopy room expanding capacity across the ACT.
The completion of the $1.467 million upgrade and expansion of the endoscopy suite follows the restoration of several North Canberra Hospital operating theatres, a procedure room, and day surgery waiting and patient recovery areas, which were damaged by the 2022 fire at the hospital.
The project also included work to refurbish an existing endoscopy procedure room, the equipment cleaning and processing room, waiting and consultation rooms, and sterile store area.
New endoscopy infrastructure is coming to Canberra Hospital as well, with early construction works on the expansion and upgrade of those endoscopy suites scheduled to commence in 2025.
The ACT Government also invested $5.6 million in the 2022-23 Budget to deliver an additional 1800 endoscopy procedures.
The new endoscopy procedure room at North Canberra Hospital will help bolster Canberra Health Services’ endoscopy capacity not just at North Canberra Hospital, but across the ACT.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government continues to deliver modern clinical infrastructure with the new space based on a contemporary design and using innovative equipment and technology.
“The new public endoscopy room will allow for an additional 500 procedures this financial year, and more than 1500 additional procedures next financial year.
“Having access to the latest technology will also improve image quality and resolution, leading to more precise diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.
“This investment in additional facilities and modern equipment ultimately means better health care, and more timely results for our patients,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Quotes attributable to Elaine Pretorius, General Manager of North Canberra Hospital:
“The infrastructure team has worked closely with our clinicians in the design and delivery of the space to ensure they have access to the best facility and equipment, including gastroscopes, processors, monitors, procedure lights and drying cabinets.
“Staffing within the unit has been expanded to manage the operation of the new theatre and improve patient flow.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases