10 September 2024

Yamba Drive entrance at Canberra Hospital to be transformed

| Ian Bushnell
Join the conversation
6
render of Canberra Hospital

An artist’s impression of the new Canberra Hospital western entrance from Yamba Drive. Images: ACT Government.

With the new Critical Services Building open, the ACT Government has turned its attention to the other side of the Canberra Hospital campus where the old Emergency Department was located.

Working has started on revamping the Yamba Drive entrance and the Building 2 foyer into a more welcoming and accessible space.

Improvements will include a new bus stop to improve connections with public transport, new seating and a dedicated wheelchair collection point.

New landscaping and green space will beautify the space, while new art and sculptures will also be installed.

READ ALSO More than orthotics – podiatrists help athletes ace their foot concerns and stay in the game

Shade cover will protect people from the elements and make the area more comfortable to be in, and there will also be an upgraded courtyard for staff.

As part of the modernisation, the Building 2 foyer is also being updated to renew the public amenities in this space, including new flooring and seating areas, a new Veterans Lounge, a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lounge, a gift shop and a cafe.

render of Canberra Hospital

New seating and shaded areas will make the old ED entrance more comfortable.

The works will take about 12 months to complete.

The hospital is encouraging patients and visitors to use the southern multistorey carpark and to access the hospital through the new Main Entrance and Emergency Department via the southern end of Hospital Road, off Bateson Road.

A temporary pedestrian entrance will be available from Yamba Drive for those who need to access the hospital from the car parks or bus stops on that side of the campus.

READ ALSO Keeping people out of prison has a big payoff for society and taxpayers

This project is one of many happening across the Canberra Hospital campus. Other infrastructure upgrades underway or in the detailed design stage include the new Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Wellbeing Centre, palliative care ward and endoscopy suites.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said these new works were a continuation of the Canberra Hospital modernisation program.

“The landscaping and building works respond to consumer feedback with better public transport connections and a more inviting space for patients and visitors,” she said.

Join the conversation

6
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

‘A new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lounge’, this Labor/Greens Government seems to have an obsession with giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders separate amenities across the ACT. So is this government introducing apartheid to the ACT? Shouldn’t facilities be provided on a needs basis, regardless of race?

Quite. Sounds racist to me. How come the government gets away with it – time after time !

Capital Retro4:41 pm 12 Sep 24

I demand a white, male supremist (with privilege’s) lounge immediately!

Gordon Williamson12:40 pm 11 Sep 24

I think I would prefer the money be spent on better services rather than more comfortable seating

Both can be done.

“A temporary pedestrian entrance will be available from Yamba Drive for those who need to access the hospital from the car parks or bus stops on that side of the campus.” So does that mean we will eventually be unable to access the hospital from the Yamba Drive side. Not acceptable!

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.