The design of the new $1.8 billion women and babies Hospital will start shortly, with the site at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (QEIIMC) selected as the location.
Following a comprehensive site analysis and evaluation process, the new hospital will be built north of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) G Block.
A key factor in the decision to build in the selected location is its advantage in future-proofing the QEIIMC over a 40-year period, including future redevelopments of the Perth Children’s Hospital, SCGH, PathWest and teaching and research facilities.
The selected site will afford greater opportunities to maximise natural lighting, access to views and potential for upper-level green spaces, while improving access to clinical services at both Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) and Perth Children’s Hospital.
Aboriginal cultural advice received during the consultation confirmed that the proposed location was preferred.
A cross-agency working group will be established to develop options for increased access to car-parking at the QEIIMC site, for both the construction and operational phases of the project.
Since June 2021, 480 stakeholders have been consulted on the development so far.
With service delivery planning almost complete, and the preferred site confirmed, the concept design of the hospital will start in February 2022.
The full scope of works and designs will be determined following the development of a detailed business case and the project definition plan is due for completion at the end of 2022.
Site works are forecast to begin in 2023.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“Hundreds of thousands of Western Australians have been born at King Edward Memorial Hospital and so many of us, myself included, have delivered babies there.
“It is time for a new building and the new women and newborn hospital will be a world-class tertiary hospital, providing high-quality services and an improved experience for patients and families.
“The central location north of the current SCGH G Block allows for the future-proofing of the QEIIMC and will provide greater scope for enhanced patient amenities such as natural lighting, views and green space.
“Thank you to the many staff at Women and Newborn Health Service, SCGH and Child and Adolescent Health Service, together with our health consumer representatives, QEIIMC tenants, QEIIMC Trust and all stakeholders, who have played an integral role in planning for the new hospital to date.”
