Construction on Modbury Hospital's new 20-bed Palliative Care Unit has begun, as the Marshall Liberal Government's job-creating hospital redevelopment passes its halfway mark.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said not only have some building works at Modbury Hospital been fast-tracked in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the project has been a huge boost for South Australian suppliers and tradespeople throughout this difficult year.
"Since initial designs for the $96 million redevelopment were revealed in January 2019, work has been steadily progressing on site. The project is expanding with an additional $1.5 million being invested in lift upgrades," Minister Wade said.
"The redevelopment has so far used 100 tonnes of reinforced steel processed and manufactured locally in Cavan, as well as 1,100m3 of concrete sourced from companies across the State.
"Almost 200 construction workers are currently onsite at the hospital daily and 1,378 people have been involved in the construction so far, working more than 375,00 hours between them.
"Construction has started on a new 20-bed Palliative Care Unit, which will be located on the ground floor of the hospital, providing patients and families with direct access to private gardens and natural light.
"The extensive upgrading and enhancing of Modbury Hospital is part of a landmark billion-dollar health infrastructure build across the state.
"While Labor downgraded services at Modbury as part of their failed Transforming Health plan, the Marshall Liberal Government is investing in world-class infrastructure to deliver better patient care closer to home for the residents in the north and north-east," Minister Wade said.
"The expansion will ease pressure on our busy emergency departments and modernise the aging facility, increasing capabilities and improving facilities for patients and staff."
Completed redevelopment milestones include an eight-bed Emergency Extended Care Unit, an upgraded hospital façade and a refurbishment of the administration area on level five.
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Maree Geraghty, said it's an exciting time for the north-eastern community to see Modbury Hospital begin to transform to a more modern facility.
"As building works continue into next year, we are looking forward to seeing the new Surgical Suite, High Dependency Unit, new main front entrance and Outpatients building, and kiosk – all becoming operational early next year," Ms Geraghty said.
"The multi-disciplinary Palliative Care team at Modbury Hospital receives around 1,200 new referrals every year for both inpatient and community care, and the new Unit, to be completed within the next 12 months, will create a more home-like environment with space for families to stay with their loved ones during end of life care.
"While we know there have been some minor disruptions to some areas of the hospital, we want to thank our staff and consumers for their patience during the redevelopment period."
