30 April 2023

DA out to demolish parts of Canberra Hospital campus for new pathology centre

| Claire Fenwicke
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Andrew Barr and Rachel Stephen-Smith on the hospital construction site

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith (pictured with Chief Minister Andrew Barr at the Canberra Hospital) said the new pathology centre was part of the campus’ master plan. Photo: File.

A development application has been released for the company wishing to help knock down parts of Canberra Hospital to make way for a new Pathology and Clinical Support Building.

While work has been steadily progressing on the new Critical Services Building and cancer research centre, the new pathology department has also been flagged as an early priority as part of the Canberra Hospital Master Plan.

This new building will be located on the site of the current Buildings 6 and 23, which are both administration buildings.

The works are expected to cost just over $4.5 million, which includes removing the buildings, disconnecting services, removing any hazardous materials, earthworks to reinstate the site back to ground level, and reinstating any disturbed verge areas.

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According to the master plan, the building would make up part of the new Acute Hospital Precinct, which also encompasses the Critical Services Building.

The plan has indicated the bottom of the building could allow for future expansion space for the emergency department.

“The new building will allow for expansion of pathology services in an environment fit for modern pathology delivery,” the plan stated.

“The Pathology building will require direct access onto Hospital Road and internal access from the CSB for the transfer of specimens.”

Canberra Hospital masterplan

The new pathology department will be located next to the Critical Services Building. Photo: ACT Government.

Meanwhile, EY has been awarded the contract to continue planning for three new buildings for the campus.

The company will work with STH, the architects behind the master plan, to prepare functional designs, models of care and a business case for the new Pathology and Clinical Support Building, as well as future inpatient buildings.

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Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said this would support the modernisation of the campus for both health workers and patients.

“The ACT Government is committed to healthcare that puts patients first, creates a safe environment for our staff with more opportunities for professional development, and provides the right facilities to meet the future health needs of the ACT and surrounding region,” she said.

“This is the next step in transforming the Canberra Hospital campus to ensure our dedicated teams can continue to provide high-quality care to support the health of our region.

“This important new building will provide a state-of-the-art facility for staff whose work behind the scenes is vital to delivering health care in our hospitals and community facilities, enabling the modernisation and expansion of pathology services.”

Demolition of Buildings 6 and 23 will likely begin in late 2023 to provide enough time to relocate the staff who currently work in these buildings.

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