8 September 2020 – $13.5 MILLION TO EXPAND INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT CANBERRA HOSPITAL

 

Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja and ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith today announced an additional 8 beds for Canberra Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Senator Seselja said the expansion of Canberra Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit will boost critical care capacity across the ACT.

“Canberra Hospital is the major tertiary hospital for the ACT and southern NSW, providing high quality care to the sickest and most critical patients. This expansion will ensure people from Canberra and surrounding areas have access to lifesaving care, acute medical treatment and intensive care monitoring as the region’s population continues to grow.”

“Last year the Federal Government committed $13.5 million for the much needed expansion of Canberra Hospital’s ICU as part of our $68 million Health Plan, delivering support for patients in Canberra who need it. The expansion fills an urgent need to address capacity shortfall and it is great to see the expansion plans unveiled today.”

“I am proud the Federal Government has more than doubled funding for our hospitals in the ACT, and will continue to deliver for the health of Canberrans.”

Minister for Health Stephen-Smith said the additional ICU beds will increase critical care capacity while the design and construction of the Canberra Hospital Expansion is underway.

“This funding increases ICU beds at Canberra Hospital to 39, ensuring our health system is well prepared and equipped to respond to the needs of the community.

“The expansion will connect to the existing ICU and includes improved amenities for staff, patients and their families. Design will focus on providing patients and staff with a contemporary, safe and comfortable environment,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.

Funding for the ICU expansion has been provided through the Commonwealth Community Health and Hospitals Program, additional projects included are:

  1. $10 million for a ten-bed low dependency mental health unit at the Canberra Hospital.
  2. $4.5 million to complete the build and fit-out of a new purpose-built facility at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.
  3. $1 million for a hospital discharge liaison pilot program.

“Across the ACT, we are investing in our health infrastructure, services and programs to ensure Canberrans have access to the right healthcare, when and where they need it.

“This program of work will future-proof our health system and grow local jobs as our city recovers from the impacts of COVID-19,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.

Construction of the ICU expansion will begin in 2021 with completion scheduled for the third quarter of 2021.