Residents in Adelaide’s north east are a step closer to receiving world-class care closer to home as fast-tracked construction on the new operating theatres commence at Modbury Hospital.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the Marshall Liberal Government is investing $96 million to modernise Modbury Hospital, increasing surgical capabilities and improving facilities for both patients and staff.
“The extensive upgrading and enhancing of Modbury Hospital is part of a landmark billion-dollar health infrastructure build across the state, which is easing pressure on our Emergency Departments and providing patient services closer to home,” said Minister Wade.
“Construction is continuing to support the hospital in undertaking more complex surgical activities and better manage patient flow, whilst creating capacity like never seen before.
“The temporary closure of all four operating theatres last week will enable construction of the new surgical suite on level one to be fast-tracked, resulting in building works to be done in one stage rather than over multiple stages.
“This is not only bringing forward the completion date for the theatres but also creating immediate local jobs during the challenging employment environment due the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Work has been steadily progressing on the new inpatient surgical ward and High Dependency Unit, and recently completed works have created a new four-bed bay and 12 overnight beds.
“From the outside, the redevelopment is hard to miss as civil works on the new multi-level Outpatients Department building is ongoing with structural steel now being installed.”
The High Dependency Unit (HDU) is scheduled to be operational in March 2021. By bringing the works forward, the opening of the four operating theatres and two new procedure rooms is scheduled in April 2021, eight months earlier than originally planned.
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) Chief Executive Officer, Maree Geraghty, said the latest construction milestone was an exciting achievement for the Network.
“We have been working closely with our staff and patients to make sure the upgrades meet the needs of our growing community,” Ms Geraghty said.
“We have also ensured those affected Modbury Hospital theatre staff are placed to work elsewhere within NALHN and within our existing arrangements during the construction period.
“The recently completed administration area on level five is another positive step and not only provides staff with a more modernised work environment, but has created space for work on the new 20-bed Palliative Care Unit to begin on the ground floor this month.
“While we know there will be some minor disruptions to some areas of the hospital, we want to thank our staff, patients, and visitors for their patience during building works.”
