The construction of the new surgical unit, in the $96 million Modbury Hospital redevelopment, is set to be fast-tracked, making 16 additional beds available.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said that the postponement of non-urgent elective surgeries throughout Australia, provided the opportunity to fast-track the construction schedule at Modbury allowing completion an estimated eight months ahead of schedule.
The creation of an extra 16-bed capacity will assist with hospital capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Given the directions to postpone elective surgeries, all four operating theatres will be temporarily closed next month to complete building works of the new surgical unit in one stage, rather than over multiple stages as initially planned,” Minister Wade said.
“During this period, some surgeries will be undertaken at Lyell McEwin Hospital or with partners in the private sector.
“With the modified schedule, Modbury Hospital will return to full surgery operating sessions eight months early and will be well placed to support the elective surgery waiting list due to the impacts of COVID-19.
“The redevelopment will improve medical and surgical services for people living in Adelaide’s north and north-eastern suburbs and will support the hospital in undertaking more complex surgical activities and better manage patient flow.”
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) Chief Executive Officer, Maree Geraghty, said NALHN was well prepared to support other hospitals that are treating and caring for COVID-19 patients.
“While it is a challenging time for the health sector as a whole, being able to modify existing plans to bring forward the opening of the new surgical unit is an exciting step in the Modbury Hospital redevelopment project,” Ms Geraghty said.
“The High Dependency Unit is still scheduled to open in March 2021 and will now align with the opening of the four operating theatres and two new procedure rooms in April 2021.
“We are consulting with staff who will be affected by the temporary theatre closures and working through options for them during that period.
“The safety of our patients and staff is always our top priority and our builder, Built Environs, will be managing social distancing as well as reducing the crossover of construction and health care workers.”
The Modbury Hospital redevelopment also includes a new 20-bed Palliative Care Unit and a new Short Stay General Medical Unit, which is all forecast to be completed in December 2021.
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