A bigger and better Canberra Hospital is one step closer with the new Critical Services Building reaching a major milestone today. A rooftop ceremony marked the completion of the building's highest point at just over 40 metres.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith joined representatives from construction partner Multiplex, consumer groups and Canberra Health Services on the ninth level helipad for a topping out ceremony today.
"We have all watched this building rise at an incredible pace over the last twelve months and today's topping-out ceremony marks a significant milestone as we work to deliver a bigger and better hospital for Canberra. The Critical Services Building will provide a brand-new emergency department, more operating rooms, more treatment spaces and more intensive care beds.
"The building's new technology and modern facilities will help us attract a clinical workforce from not only Australia but around the world who will want to work in this new building and make Canberra their new home.
"Today is also an opportunity to thank and reflect on the input of clinicians, consumers and staff who have been involved in the design of the Critical Services Building layout and services. Their input has been key to creating a modern facility that is accessible and welcoming for staff, patients and visitors.
"We will continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure across the ACT, improving existing facilities and building new spaces so Canberrans can access the most appropriate healthcare, at the right time and closer to their homes," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
In February 2023, an additional investment of $16.9 million was announced to future proof the building for pandemic situations as well as add more sterilisation services and enhanced imaging facilities to improve the hospital's efficiency and safety.
The placement of a tree, in this case a native acacia melanoxylon but traditionally a pine, is a tradition started in Scandinavia and adopted by infrastructure projects around the world to signify that a building has reached its highest point of construction.
In the coming months the Canberra Hospital Expansion Project will continue with internal fit out, landscaping, art installations and the widening of Hospital Road to provide better access for pedestrians and vehicles.
The construction of the project will be completed in mid-2024.
