Design Phase begins at New University of Canberra Public Hospital

Canberra’s Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher has announced expressions of interest will be called from suitably qualified consultants to design the new northside sub-acute hospital, to be located on the University of Canberra campus.
The ACT Government announced in September that the hospital would offer a range of rehabilitation services, such as neurological rehabilitation and older persons' rehabilitation, as well as mental health services and day hospital services, such as hydrotherapy. Its location also ensures close links with the University and research sector, with spaces allocated for teaching and research.
"With demands on the ACT health care system rising, the University of Canberra Public Hospital will continue the expansion of health and hospital services as we keep focus on providing more sub-acute rehabilitation and aged care services," the Chief Minister said.
Construction of the new northside sub-acute hospital will take two years beginning within 18 months of commencement of the design phase.
"The University of Canberra Public Hospital will deliver an innovative approach to health, education, training and research focusing on patient and professional outcomes.
"At the same time it will increase bed capacity and enable sub-acute services to be provided in a purpose built, contemporary facility, without the pressure created by emergency and acute care needs," the Chief Minister said.
A key milestone of the project is the engagement of a Principal Consultant, or architect. A call for Expressions of Interest for a Principal Consultant to design the facility will be advertised nationally this month. It is anticipated that preliminary sketch plans will be available in early 2014.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker has welcomed the progress on the new hospital.
"The University of Canberra Public Hospital will provide fantastic opportunities for professional education and applied research in addition to quality healthcare for our community.
"It is very exciting to be another step closer to building this new facility and I look forward to the next milestone," Professor Parker concluded.
Work has already commenced on the development of a Services Delivery Plan, with consumer representative groups and staff involved in this process. Community engagement and information about the progress of the facility will be ongoing during the life of the project. $4 million has been allocated towards the planning and design of the hospital and final design will be subject to normal planning processes