Canberra Hospital's Critical Services Building has become a vital part of the ACT's health system since opening its doors one year ago, enabling our public healthcare workforce to deliver world class care in a state-of-the-art facility.
Delivered as part of the ACT Government's $660 million Canberra Hospital Expansion, the nine-storey, 44,000m² building is the largest health infrastructure investment since self-government.
"In just 12 months, the Critical Services Building has already proven its value to Canberrans. It has provided modern emergency, surgical and critical care spaces, improved staff workflows and enhanced the experience for patients and their families," Minister Rachel Stephen Smith said.
"The building brings together many of the hospital's most critical clinical areas into a purpose-built facility, supporting more integrated and timely care."
Since operations began in August 2024, the Critical Services Building has seen:
- more than 100,000 patients treated in the Emergency Department
- almost 19,000 procedures carried out in Building 5 theatres and interventional suites, including a record number of surgeries on the campus
- more than 6,500 transfers to the Intensive Care Unit.
"The modern design of the building also prioritises the needs of health care workers. It has improved clinical layouts, natural light, collaborative spaces and new amenities to help improve the staff experience," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"Importantly, the Critical Services Building is the first fully electric clinical building of its kind in Australia, helping to future-proof Canberra's health system as part of the ACT Government's commitment to sustainability and zero emissions.
"The Critical Services Building positions us well for future demand and evolving surgical technologies. It's an investment that will continue to benefit the Canberra community for decades to come."
The building includes:
- A larger Emergency Department (ED), including a new Children's ED, separate ambulance entry and a Behavioural Assessment Unit
- A 48-bed Intensive Care Unit, including four paediatric ICU beds
- 22 operating theatres, including three hybrid theatres and two Interventional Radiography Suites
- Three state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterisation Labs
- New medical imaging facilities
- A rooftop helipad with direct lift access to the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department
- A new Central Sterilising Services Department.
The success of the Critical Services Building marks an important step in the ACT Government's long-term planning for a sustainable and high-performing health system. Planning is also underway for:
- The new northside hospital
- More parking and a new pathology and clinical support building at Canberra Hospital.
Quotes attributable to Dr Sam Scanlan, Staff Specialist at the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department:
"Over the past year, the new Emergency Department has transformed how we deliver care. With modern and expanded spaces, we've been able to respond more effectively to high-demand situations and provide a safer, more efficient environment for patients and staff alike.
"Whether it's managing trauma cases, large-scale emergencies, or everyday high-acuity presentations, the emergency department has helped us deliver better care for our patients."
Quotes attributable to Dr Gert Frahm-Jensen, Clinical Director of Surgery at Canberra Hospital:
"The Critical Services Building has markedly enhanced our surgical capability. With access to modern operating theatres and improved recovery areas, we're able to provide more timely and complex surgical care to our patients.
"The advanced infrastructure supports better coordination across surgical teams and allows us to deliver care in a safer, more streamlined environment. It's been a game-changer not only for the way we work, but for the experience and outcomes of our patients."
