PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: BERRI HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT

Mrs VLAHOS (Taylor) (11:56): I move:

That the 391^st report of the committee, on Berri Hospital redevelopment, be noted.

The current project involves the redevelopment of Riverland Regional Health Services, or the Berri Hospital. The estimated completion date of this project is June 2013, and the cost is around $41 million.

Berri Hospital is designated as a country general hospital and currently has 36 acute public multi-day beds, two birthing suites, and 12 private beds. In addition, it has two renal dialysis chairs and 13 recovery bays. The proposed Berri Hospital redevelopment comprises the provision of several main components and elements. The proposed design expands the current facility of one theatre and one procedure room to two theatres, both capable of accommodating general anaesthetics and one being able to operate as a part day-surgery unit. A significant expansion in the recovery area is also planned, with the provision of six stage 1 recovery bays and 10 stage 2/3 recovery bays.

The central sterile supply department (CSSD) area is replanned in a new build area to better suit workflows and for better supply and disposal routes; for example, the supply of clean stock to inpatient areas and disposal of waste directly to the outside of the building. A new plant area is planned to be constructed, encompassing new mechanical plant, chillers, hot water, generator and transformer rooms, as well as medical gas and main switchboard rooms.

A renal dialysis section is also an important part of the components. Renal dialysis fixed chairs are proposed in the new building with good external views to be provided for those attending the renal dialysis area. Chemotherapy is also included and a regional chemotherapy 'hub' is proposed, with approximately 75 per cent of Riverland patients being treated at Berri.

Emergency departments will be included. The new redevelopment at Berri encompasses and addresses various aspects of the existing emergency department, including a significant increase in the number of emergency beds; separate entrances (discrete from the main entry) created for ambulance and ambulant patient entry; and a direct functional link which will be established from the ED to the operating department. The emergency waiting area is also established as a discrete area of the outpatient waiting area. A short-term parking area is also proposed adjacent to the ambulant entry and undercover ambulance parking is near the sheltered ambulance entrance.

There is also a rehabilitation component of the project. An increasing need to accommodate rehabilitation and geriatric evaluation management and stroke services is envisaged for the Berri Hospital with the provision of a new rehabilitation unit. This area will allow functional links with both inpatient and outpatient areas in order to readily access both day patient and inpatient rehabilitation facilities; stroke and neurological; post-surgical; orthopaedic and amputee (step down care and additional outpatient services); cardiac rehabilitation; and respiratory function services.

Inpatient facilities will also be improved. Inpatient services are proposed to be reconfigured as 38 multi-day beds, including six mental health beds. All inpatient accommodation is to be provided as a single room.

Debate adjourned.