16 March 2015: ACT Minister for Health Simon Corbell MLA and University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker have today unveiled the reference design for the new University of Canberra Public Hospital.
Public consultation will now begin on the proposed reference design for the state-of-the-art facility to be built in the northwest corner of the University campus.
The hospital will feature a research centre for University of Canberra academics and students, unit-style mental health accommodation including shared kitchen and dining facilities, sensory areas for dementia patients, a gym, and a hydrotherapy pool among other planned aspects.
Mr Corbell said the innovative approach to care that will be offered at the hospital, known as sub-acute care, will be the first of its kind in the ACT.
"This hospital will offer a more home-like environment with a clinical focus on giving patients their independence back, through things like increased physical activity in the gym or hydrotherapy pool, learning new life skills or simply by being able to eat with others in a dining room," he said.
Professor Parker said the University of Canberra was excited to be a step closer in the process of delivering the new hospital in partnership with the ACT Government.
"Having this innovative hospital on campus will provide unique teaching, research and practice opportunities for our staff and students, contributing to the improvement of patient care by developing novel treatments and practices," he said.
Professor Parker said the new hospital will be an important part of the University's Health Innovation Precinct on campus, which includes the existing Health Hub that opened last year, housing a GP super clinic and other health services for the public.
"For many years, we have delivered health services that complement our teaching, training and research in health, these new facilities will significantly increase the capacity for our campus to serve the community," Professor Parker said.
The consultation on the reference design will be considered towards a final design which is expected to be completed late in 2015. Construction is due to commence in early 2016.
Information sessions will be held on 31 March at the University of Canberra and on 8 April at Canberra Hospital. You can view the reference design online.
- Professor Parker is available for interview
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415