The ACT Government has unveiled the new state-of-the-art operating theatres included in the Critical Services Building, on track to open later this year.
The completion of the new theatres marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the Critical Services Building which will include the 22 new theatres, a bigger emergency department, expanded ICU and new inpatient wards.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the operating theatres are based on cutting-edge design and equipped with modern equipment and technology.
“The team has worked closely with clinicians in the design and delivery of these new theatres to ensure clinicians have access to the best facilities and equipment,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Investing in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for staff will ultimately result in better care and outcomes for patients.”
Situated on level 3 of the new building, the theatres boast a range of advanced features aimed at revolutionising surgical practices in the ACT. These include:
- An Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) Suite, providing surgeons with real-time images of the brain during procedures.
- Three hybrid theatres equipped with cutting-edge angiography and CT angiography systems to support a variety of vascular surgeries and guided procedures.
- Two Interventional Radiography Suites relocated from Building 12 to the Critical Services Building, offering a comprehensive range of diagnostic and interventional services.
- 16 digital operating theatres.
Having access to the latest technology in Canberra Hospital’s theatres will improve image quality and resolution, leading to more precise diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.
The Perioperative Unit, located within the Critical Services Building, features two spacious waiting areas, a Day Surgery Unit with 40 beds for admissions and post-operative care, a recovery area, and a discharge lounge.
Staffing within the perioperative unit will be expanded to manage the operation of the new theatres and improve patient flow.
Recruitment efforts are currently underway, with Canberra Health Services implementing a range of strategies and initiatives aimed at targeting and attracting healthcare workers to the ACT.
“The ACT Government is investing in bigger hospitals, more health centres and extra services across the ACT. As our health system continues to grow, we are working to ensure our workforce grows with it,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“This includes more support for nursing, midwifery and allied health students, recruitment campaigns and a team dedicated to hiring specialist doctors and other health professionals.”
The operating theatres are connected to the Sterilising Services Unit via dedicated lifts, improving efficiency by facilitating the swift transfer of instruments between clean and dirty areas.
A notable addition to the new building is the Patient Transfer Link bridge, which provides a private clinical connection between the Critical Services Building and existing hospital buildings. This enhances hospital efficiency and patient privacy by separating clinical pathways from public areas.
“Creating dedicated spaces for clinicians and patients ensures easier movement through the hospital and maintains the privacy and dignity of patients,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The Patient Transfer Link bridge is one example of how the ACT Government has worked with consumers and clinicians to build a facility that enables efficient and best practice healthcare while putting the patient at the centre.”
