CONSTRUCTION of Swan Hill District Health’s (SHDH) new emergency department is set to start, with the Victorian Government today announcing early works will begin later this month.
It comes after the government last month revealed internal and external concept images for the $48.7 million project, which were welcomed by the hospital’s executive and the wider community.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the upgrade will more than double treatment spaces, improving locals’ access to emergency care.
Early works will be completed by AW Nicholson and are expected to get underway later this month.
The initial steps will involve demolition and construction of a temporary pathology lab and cafeteria, allowing for the main construction works to begin.
The main construction works will replace the old emergency department and add a four-bed short-stay unit, as well as mental health patient care and treatment rooms to support people who may need to isolate.
The redevelopment will also add large waiting areas to create a more comfortable environment for patients and their families.
“These important additions will support the privacy of patients, provide a safe and efficient working environment for staff and ensure the hospital can meet the current and future health needs of the local community,” Ms Thomas said.
“This multi-million-dollar project will give locals the peace of mind that world-class healthcare is on their doorstep, when they need it. We are proud to be delivering this important project for Swan Hill and surrounding communities.”
SHSH acting chief executive Chloe Keogh previously told The Guardian that she was “delighted” with the designs.
“There’s been a combination of people working to put this together, and it’s come up great,” she said.
“There’s a sense of relief as it’s great to finally share this with the community after what we’ve been living with over the last couple of years.”
Ms Keogh said they were hopeful the modernisation of the hospital would attract both workers and families.
“Looking at research, having new facilities does attract staff,” Ms Keogh said.
“People like to work in new environments with state-of-the-art equipment, but we also respect our current staff, and they will be equally delighted to have this.”
The main construction works are expected to get underway in early 2023 and be completed in 2025.
It will create nearly 150 jobs during its peak.
The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with the Federal Government, who are contributing $30 million towards the redevelopment.
