An expanded and refurbished ward will be built and carpark entrances will be relocated according to plans for an $8 million expansion to the Launceston General Hospital.
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The refurbished Children’s Ward will incorporate specialist mental health facilities and a purpose-built High Dependency Unit.
The redevelopment will also include more single rooms and isolation areas – and represents the ward’s first major upgrade in almost 30 years.
In May, 2016, the government announced it would invest millions in redeveloping ward 4K.
A Development Application was advertised through the City of Launceston this week, more than one year after the expansion plans were announced.
The application includes:
- Demolishing part of existing building
- Removing the gas bullet located in the carpark
- Construction of extension and alterations to the existing Children’s Ward
- Relocating car park entrances to Howick St
Acting Health Minister Rene Hidding said the upgrade of the Children’s Ward was on schedule to be completed by 2019.
“The project will see ward 4K both upgraded and expanded, ensuring it is able to meet the clinical needs of acutely ill children as well as provide a much better environment for recovery,” he said.
The High Dependency Unit for the care of acutely unwell children.
We welcome investment into the hospital’s infrastructure.
- Robbie Moore
Mr Hidding said additional space would allow for the separation of younger children and teenagers, with facilities more appropriate for their care needs.
“Staffing requirements will be determined in consultation with LGH management and staff,” he added.
“This upgrade means the LGH will be able to deal with more complex psychiatric issues in child and adolescent patients.”
Health and Community Services Union assistant secretary Robbie Moore said the advertised plans were pleasing to see.
“We welcome investment into the hospital’s infrastructure,” he said.
But Mr Moore said the government was not increasing the number of beds in the refurbished unit, “that’s still a problem”.
“We’d like to see more of it and we highlight Northside [Mental Health Clinic] needing significant upgrades from a safety perspective,” he said. The plan’s advertisement ends October 26.