A new wave of innovative technology is guiding the construction of a maternity and paediatric hospital in Sunshine.
The Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital will have 20 labour delivery rooms, 39 special care nursery cots, 64 women’s inpatient beds, 32 children’s inpatient beds, four operating theatres and outpatient clinics.
As part of the project, 55 existing adult inpatient beds at Sunshine Hospital will be refurbished.
The hospital is a ground-breaking project, with building information modelling – the digital modelling of a building project – being used for its construction.
The rapidly growing area of innovation in the construction sector involves local businesses harnessing digital technology including advanced building information modelling, virtual reality and 3D drafting.
The technology is also being used at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Carlton, the redevelopment of Melbourne Park and in aiding the removal of level crossings across the city. St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman says the hospital will be a major asset that would deliver world-class care for the community.
“The Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital will be a terrific addition to Melbourne’s west, supporting young families and giving them the world-class healthcare they deserve,” she said.
Industry and employment parliamentary secretary Vicki Ward, who toured the hospital site late last month, is enthusiastic about how the technology is being used.
“Victoria is the nation’s leader in construction technologies thanks to a massive pipeline of infrastructure projects,” she said.
“Through our Future Industries Fund, we are investing in high-growth sectors of our economy to create new jobs.”
The Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital is expected to create up to 600 jobs during the construction phase.
The hospital is due for completion late next year.
Details: www.westernhealth.org.au/Pages/default.aspx
