The new Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital is getting ready to open, with clinical services intended to commence on Saturday 17 August 2024. It will be known as Building 5 upon opening.

It is planned that the service commencement will take place over one day, following some elective surgical and Cardiac Cath Lab procedures starting to operate progressively from 13 August.

There are extensive move plans in place, and Canberra Health Services will be working hard to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Here are some key facts you should know as part of the intended move day on Saturday 17 August:

• The new Emergency Department (ED) will open at 7:30am, and the current one, in Building 12, will close at the same time. If you need to go to the ED on Saturday 17 August after 7:30am please go to Building 5.
• Patients already in the ED in Building 12 prior to 7:30am will continue to be treated there until they are discharged or admitted to the hospital if required.
• The Intensive Care Unit and five other surgical and medical inpatient units will be moved gradually starting at 7:30am.
• Perioperative Services (including operating theatres) will start at 7:30am for emergency procedures only. Elective procedures will continue in Building 5 on Monday, August 19.
• Cardiac Cath Labs will also start at 7:30am for emergency procedures only, with elective procedures continuing in Building 5 on Monday, August 19.
• Medical Imaging will begin from 7:30am to support the services in the building.

Patient safety is our number one priority during the move. We will have team members on hand, as well as extra volunteers on the day of move to help community members find their way around the hospital.

Patients who will be relocating, will be provided with everything they need to know, including the timing of their move and how they will be transferred.

Dr Sam Scanlan, Staff Specialist at the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department said the move to the new Critical Services Building is a really exciting time.

“Our clinical teams have been working hard to prepare for the move and we are looking forward to working in the new space,” Dr Sam said.

“There is a lot involved in the move and we ask the community for their understanding and patience during this time.”

The new ED will have a separate entrance located on the southern side of Hospital Road, off Bateson Road. Drop off and pick up is available at the entrance. The closest parking is the southern multi storey car park located on Bateson Road, less than 300m away.

The separate entrance to the new Emergency Department is located under the EMERGENCY sign.

“This is a good opportunity to remind our consumers to keep the ED for emergencies, and to consider where the best place is for you to access the care you need.”

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