Construction of Westmead’s new central acute services building has commenced – a vital part of the $900 million Westmead Redevelopment, the state’s biggest health development project. The new hospital building is due for completion in 2020.
The new central acute services building will link Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and host several adult and paediatric services including emergency, pharmacy and imaging.
Westmead Redevelopment major contractor Multiplex will target Aboriginal employment during construction of the new building, committing five per cent of the total contract price to Aboriginal workers.
“We feel privileged to be part of the Westmead community and want our role here to extend beyond the life of the project,” said Multiplex regional director Daniel Murphy.
“As well as our commitment to offering apprenticeships and traineeships that exceed government targets, we have partnered with Indigenous employment networks and other agencies to assist some of the disadvantaged in our community to gain sustainable employment in construction.”
The new central acute services building will include two new emergency departments — one for adults and one for children, operating/interventional suites with specialised technology and equipment, a new Cardiac Comprehensive Care Centre, modern patient bedrooms and education, training and research areas. One and a half floors of the building will also become a new central home for the University of Sydney at Westmead as part of its expanded investment in the precinct.
Other important elements of the redevelopment include infrastructure upgrades across the precinct and a staged refurbishment of Westmead Hospital.
Complementing the redevelopment, a $500 million investment from the University of Sydney will improve education, training and research facilities and initiatives at Westmead over the next 15 years.