THE redevelopment of Swan Hill hospital’s emergency department has moved a step closer, with the much-needed project progressing to the detailed design phase.
Key user groups have also been established, with key staff representation reportedly “solid and well-represented”.
Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) declined to comment further on the progress, referring The Guardian to a social media post updating the project.
The new emergency department development will include 15 treatment rooms plus a four-bed short stay unit, a small extension to radiology, a new entry into the hospital with a reception area, new larger waiting areas, a new cafe and staff office and meeting areas.
After intense campaigning by the community, the Victorian Government announced in March last year that it would contribute $18.7 million towards the stage one works, with the Federal Government kicking in $30 million.
There was no further commitment to stage two in the 2022/23 state budget, however it’s hoped it will be funded before the initial works are completed in 2024.
“The detailed design phase has an allocation of four workshops for each user group identified. Each workshop is followed up with an executive group session providing a summary of each workshop and key areas for discussion and decision,” the hospital said on Facebook.
“Our final detailed design workshop was held last week, following this final week of workshops the consultant team anticipates agreement and sign off of this phase of the project from Swan Hill District Health.
“We will then commence with some early works so as to decommission the existing building (old nurses’ home) in preparation for the construction phase.
“Our early works package includes temporary fit out for pathology, cafe and community health staff and their relocation to off site locations for the duration of the project.
“The project team is currently working on the construction phasing so as to ensure that while our build is in progress services on site are minimally interrupted.”
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the government was delivering vital health infrastructure projects across the state “to ensure families get the very best care when an emergency strikes or a loved one gets sick, close to home”.
“This includes a $18.7 million investment to redevelop Swan Hill District Health’s emergency department, delivering additional treatment spaces and points of care, in a new high-quality clinical environment that reflects contemporary models of care,” he said.
“We look forward to sharing designs of the significant redevelopment with the community in the coming months, and commencing early works in the second half of the year.
