New construction hoist kicks off next phase of refurbishments

The second stage of the Westmead Redevelopment’s refurbishment of Westmead Hospital has kicked off, with the assembly of a new man and materials hoist in the loading dock.

The refurbishment program is transforming more than 30 per cent of clinical areas in Westmead Hospital between 2017 and 2022. Stage one of the program finished in early 2018 and included refurbishments to gastroenterology, ear, nose and throat and audiology, along with a new inpatient unit and improvements to the Westmead Education and Conference Centre.

Westmead Redevelopment project director Tim Shoolman said the new hoist, installed in late September, will transport workers and construction materials in and out of levels three and four of Westmead Hospital’s D Block, which will undergo two refurbishments – expansions of the intensive care and aged care units.

The hoist allows us to minimise disruption, as we can transport men, materials and equipment via the exterior of the hospital, rather than through busy public areas or using the service lifts,” he said.

“This next package of work is a significant upgrade and expansion of facilities at Westmead Hospital. We are pleased to be working with contractors FDC again, who did outstanding work on the first stage of the refurbishment program.

Stage 2 of the Westmead Hospital refurbishment program includes:

• Expansion of the intensive care unit – construction starting in October 2018 and expected to be completed by the end of July 2019
• New intensive care unit administration area – construction starting in June 2019 and expected to be completed in November 2019
• Expansion of the aged care unit, including a new behavioural management unit – construction starting in October 2018 and expected to be completed in May 2019
• New Centre for Adolescent and Young Adult Health – construction starting in mid-2019 and expected to be completed by March 2020
• Upgrade to the loading dock – construction starting in December 2018 and expected to be completed in December 2019
• A new retail link between Westmead Hospital and the new hospital building – construction starting in mid to late 2019 and expected to be completed by February 2020
• Changes to Western Sydney Local Health District nursing and clinical support service and executive offices – construction starting in mid-2019 and expected to be completed by February 2020
• Part two of the Gastroenterology Comprehensive Care Centre refurbishment – construction starting in mid-2019 and expected to be completed by the end of 2019
• Transit lounge – construction starting in September 2019 and expected to be complete in April 2020

“We thank staff for their ongoing patience while we undertake this vast program of work. We are working closely with key stakeholders and Western Sydney Local Health District’s capital works and maintenance teams to ensure we minimise impacts from all of our projects,” Tim said.

Read more about refurbishments.