Minister Barr: Construction starts on University of Canberra Public Hospital
- Written by ACT Government
Released 08/02/2016
Joint Media Release: Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Simon Corbell MLA
In 2012 ACT Labor announced its plan to build a new public hospital. Today Simon Corbell and I turned the first sod to start construction on the $139 million project. We’re delivering on our promise. The new Hospital is one of the most important projects the ACT Government is undertaking, and will significantly change how we deliver health services here in the ACT. We are committed to delivering the best health services to Canberrans, and the new facility will help alleviate pressure on our existing hospitals and expand our health facilities in Canberra – ensuring more patients can be treated for a wider range of health issues in the ACT. In addition to improving health services, the construction of the project will also see more jobs over the coming years, as well as improving economic activity in the Belconnen area. It will help the University of Canberra grow and attract new students and researchers. This is another great example of how the ACT Government’s reforms are enabling the University of Canberra to provide more community orientated services on the campus. Mr Corbell said the new hospital would provide a combination of 140 admitted overnight beds and 75 admitted day service places as well as extensive, purpose built ambulatory areas and outpatient services. It would feature a variety of specially designed therapy and support spaces, such as gyms, hydrotherapy pool, kitchens and rehabilitation courtyards.
“This project will benefit our local health system in many ways. A major focus of the Health Infrastructure Program is looking at the future health care needs of our community and how we can best meet them, and including teaching and research opportunities at the new hospital is an important part of that,” Mr Corbell said.
“The day service model is an innovative feature of the new hospital, and will enable some people to complete their rehabilitation while staying in their own home, avoiding a lengthy hospital stay.”
The University of Canberra Public Hospital will also be a teaching hospital, offering valuable real-world training for future health care professionals as well as research opportunities.
“The hospital will incorporate a number of environmentally friendly features, such as solar panel cells on the roof, LED lights, daylight sensing control and dimmable lights in north-facing areas. Bicycle facilities will also be provided to give students, staff and visitors the opportunity to ride their bikes to the hospital where possible,” Mr Corbell said.
“I am pleased to see environmentally friendly design elements being incorporated into our public facilities. Naturally, this has been an important consideration for the University of Canberra Public Hospital.”
“I look forward to seeing construction progress on this important project, and to seeing how it will help advance our health system into the future,” Mr Corbell concluded.
Construction of the hospital is expected to be completed in 2018, with the hospital receiving its first patients that year.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
