Released 19/02/2018 - Joint media release
Construction of Canberra’s new purpose-built public hospital at the University of Canberra is now complete with operations expected to start mid-2018.
This is a major milestone for better healthcare in the ACT and marks the culmination of almost seven years of planning and construction work to deliver Canberra’s third public hospital.
The new hospital will be officially known as the University of Canberra Hospital: Specialist Centre for Rehabilitation, Recovery & Research, reflecting the dedicated role it will play within the ACT’s broader health system.
The ACT Government has also started working with the United Ngunnawal Elders Council to select an appropriate Ngunnawal word to name the building.
This specialist rehabilitation, recovery and research centre will offer physical and mental health services by referral, including tailored inpatient and outpatient programs.
Over the coming months hundreds of dedicated staff from ACT Health and Calvary Public Hospital Bruce will be relocated to the University of Canberra Hospital, along with new staff currently being recruited.
The Government’s investment in this health facility is part of our $3 billion investment in infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing city. These investments are outlined in the Government’s Infrastructure Plan Update 2017-18 released today, which outlines further investments in health, education, public transport and community services over the coming years.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris said today’s milestone meant Canberra was another step closer to having a dedicated hospital to help people recovering from surgery or injury, or experiencing mental illness.
“This new public hospital has been designed and purpose-built to support quality healthcare through state-of-the-art technologies and innovative therapy spaces.
“It includes specially designed features to support recovery, including a hydrotherapy pool, rehabilitation courtyards, gymnasiums and kitchens. At full capacity it will have 140 overnight inpatient beds, 75 day places and additional outpatient services.
“I would like to thank ACT Health and Calvary Public Hospital Bruce staff in advance for their commitment to healthcare as they move into this new centre, and I acknowledge lead contractor Multiplex, who have delivered a high quality building for the people of Canberra.
“The hospital is on track to open in mid-2018 following today’s official handover to ACT Health,” said Minister Fitzharris.
The hospital does not include an Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit. Residents in Canberra’s north should continue visiting Calvary Public Hospital in an emergency.
Fast facts:
Construction has seen:
- 650,000 hours of labour
- 65,000 hours of training
- A peak of 460 workers a day
The construction includes:
- 35,000m2 floor area
- 10,000m2 of façade
- 2,600m2 of windows
- 1,000 doors, and
- 30,000 plants, shrubs and flowers
Upcoming activities to prepare the hospital and staff for opening include:
- Building the café – to be located in the heart of the building
- Installing equipment and furniture throughout the building, and
- Training and familiarising the approximately 300 staff with the new building’s layout and improved ways of delivering health services
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
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