Canberra's veteran community now has an upgraded space at Canberra Hospital with the opening of a new Veterans Lounge. This purpose-built area provides a welcoming, quiet place for current and former military members who are patients, visitors and their families.
Located in the newly refurbished Building 2 foyer, the Veterans Lounge is designed to support the connection and wellbeing of veterans at the hospital, providing a tranquil environment, comfortable seating and thoughtful amenities to help veterans feel at ease.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new space was an important step in recognising the unique needs of Canberra's 22,000 veterans and their families accessing public health services and was another key part of the largest-ever investment into the Territory's health infrastructure.
"This is a significant space that shows that veterans and their families are welcome and supported here at Canberra Hospital," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"The Veterans Lounge reflects our broader commitment to creating inclusive, accessible and person-centred health facilities for every member of our community."
There are opportunities for quiet reading, a TV for entertainment and a workspace in the lounge area to support the needs of veterans while they are at the hospital.
The Veterans Lounge complements other new features in the upgraded Building 2 foyer, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Welcome Lounge, the refurbished Yamba Cafe, and the new Canberra Hospital Foundation Gift Shop and Volunteers Hub.
The foyer connects to the new Critical Services Building, improving navigation and access for patients and visitors. The foyer also features new flooring, seating, signage and indoor plants that reflect the contemporary design seen across the hospital's recent developments.
Minister Stephen-Smith said the upgrades marked a significant milestone in the final stages of the more than $660 million Canberra Hospital Expansion Project.
"I'm pleased to see these internal foyer areas now complete. Later this year, as part of the Yamba Drive entrance redevelopment, dedicated outdoor spaces for veterans and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will also be established," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"This is part of our ongoing commitment to creating inclusive environments that reflect the needs of our diverse community."
Redevelopment works continue at the Yamba Drive entrance to deliver further upgrades, including improved public transport links, new seating, landscaping, and courtyard spaces.
The Yamba Drive entrance remains closed, with patients, visitors and staff advised to use Hospital Road to access the Canberra Hospital's Main Entry, Reception and Emergency Department.
