Early works are under way on the $58 million Lyell McEwin Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) expansion, which aims to double its current emergency capacity.
Development will also see a new Mental Health Short Stay Unit built at the northern Adelaide hospital.
The first stage of the Lyell McEwin Hospital expansion will include temporary reconfiguration of the Oldham Road car park area, with construction of a temporary ambulance entry and alterations to the public drop off and car park to ensure access can remain to the existing ED for the public and staff.
SA Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade said the Lyell McEwin ED has been under intense pressure for many years.
“The $58 million investment will also deliver critical jobs as South Australia deals with the severe economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
Related stories:
- Plans released for $58M Lyell McEwin Hospital redevelopment
- Tenders open to install 6000 solar panels across SA hospitals
- Carpark extension creates dozens of jobs
“The 8-bed Short Stay Mental Health Unit is a particularly important initiative providing a much more suitable environment for mental health patients whilst improving patient flow through the ED.
“The hospital’s redevelopment will be completed in a staged approach to allow the hospital to continue to safely deliver clinical services and operate the ED throughout the construction period.”
Wade said this is particularly important to prepare for a second wave of positive COVID-19 cases in South Australia.
“The early works begin as the $7 million extension of the multi-storey car park will now open earlier than expected,” he said.
“The early opening of the first two floors of the car park extension will ensure there is no short-term reduction of car parks for visitors and our staff.
“We are committed to ensuring the northern community has access to quality health care services in a modern hospital setting, and the new additional car parks will also support the increase in future services.”
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer Maree Geraghty said there was a temporary delay to commence early works in March due to competing demands of COVID-19.
“Following consultation, we have adjusted the design and staged approach of the expansion to ensure we are on track for building works to commence to the new three-storey ED and the purpose-built Mental Health Short Stay Unit in the second half of the year,” Geraghty said.
“It is great news for our staff and patients that the first two floors of the new car park are able to be opened and be made available sooner than the originally anticipated overall completion set for July 2020.
“As we start to see construction at the front of the hospital, I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff and consumers for their patience during the upcoming construction period.”