The Pandemic Ward is being constructed by Georgiou Group within St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s existing facilities, and is expected to reach practical completion later this year.
St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO and Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof Shirley Bowen commented that the worldwide experience of COVID-19 has shown the devastating effect infectious diseases can have on our fundamental way of life and the significant impact on health care systems.
“Our hospital’s investment in a dedicated ward will ensure preparedness for future outbreaks of COVID-19, or similar infectious diseases that can arise at any time and are increasing in frequency,” she said.
“This is a momentous occasion not only for our hospital, but also for the wider Western Australian community. It will ensure that the evolving health care needs of the community are met into the future.
“To ensure the continued safety of our hospital’s patients and caregivers, the ward will include six single, negatively pressured rooms, as well as state-of-the-art resources. It will also be staffed by appropriately trained caregivers to ensure the highest standard of clinical care.”
In addition to accommodating infectious diseases patients, the ward’s beds will be made available to other St John of God Subiaco Hospital patients when necessary and clinically appropriate.
The ward will also accommodate patients who are routinely cared for in existing negative pressure rooms located across St John of God Health Care’s Western Australian hospitals.
Construction of the ward has been approved by the Town of Cambridge, as part of St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s initial redevelopment works.
A development application for the wider hospital redevelopment has also been submitted for approval to the Western Australian Planning Commission. Subject to approval, the redevelopment will be the largest transformation in St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s 123 year history.
Redevelopment plans include a variety of new facilities such as an eight storey Clinical Block with private Emergency Department, Mother and Baby Centre and dedicated Heart Centre.
More information about St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s major redevelopment.