The Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department (ED) expansion project has reached an important milestone, with a development application for the main works submitted to the City of Hobart.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the $130 million expansion will deliver a state-of-the-art ED with increased treatment points to improve patient flow and standards of care.
"This important project will reduce wait times and length of stay in the ED, deliver a more streamlined and improved patient and visitor experience, as well as improve access, safety and infection control measures," Minister Petrusma said.
"The expansion will deliver 120 treatment points inclusive of procedure rooms, as well as CT and X-Ray bays and two ultrasound rooms, with a new paediatric zone and dedicated waiting areas for children and those experiencing mental health distress.
"Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we are continuing our strong record of delivering new and upgraded health infrastructure."
The concept design has been informed by working closely with key stakeholders and clinicians, as well as research into expected patient demand through to 2037 by specialist health planners.
Consideration has also been given to factors such as recently introduced hospital avoidance strategies, post Covid-19 changes in the health services landscape, and updated Tasmanian demographic statistics.
The ED expansion is part of the Tasmanian Government's $209 million investment in Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2.
Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2025 and is expected to take approximately two years.
Phase 1 of the Emergency Department Expansion Project was completed in January 2023, delivering an additional 28 treatment points.
