Families and children from throughout the state will soon have access to an upgraded Paediatric Emergency Department at the existing Women’s and Children’s Hospital, as construction begins on the next major part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s $50 million sustainment works.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the $3.5 million works will ensure South Australian children continue to receive high quality care in a more modern facility as we journey to a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH).
“The Marshall Liberal Government has invested $550 million in the early stages of the new WCH, but we are also making sure South Australian families have the best possible facilities as the new hospital,” Minister Wade said.
“The upgraded Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) will have an improved triage area, dedicated mental health assessment spaces, larger waiting areas, a refurbished isolation room, improved clinical support areas and additional multi-purpose consultation areas.
“As the state’s major hospital for some of our most vulnerable people, it is essential that the WCH can operate at the highest possible standard, and I’m proud to deliver this significant investment that will better support the health and wellbeing of all South Australians.
“Our staff provide world-class, family-centred care, and these upgrades will give them facilities to match to continue providing exceptional emergency care to children from across the state.”
Women’s and Children’s Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Lindsey Gough, said the existing PED entry and waiting area will be temporarily relocated while the building works occur.
“Extensive temporary signage will be installed around the hospital and our wonderful volunteers will be on hand to help direct families to the temporary entry and waiting area while the works are carried out,” Ms Gough said.
“There will be some intermittent noise throughout construction, however all efforts are being made to keep disruption and noise to a minimum.
“This is an exciting time for our network, and we have worked closely with our staff, consumers and stakeholders to ensure these works meet the needs of our patients and I want to thank them all for their patience and understanding throughout this time.”
For more information, visit www.wch.sa.gov.au/upgrades.
