The undated aerial photo shows the new "central acute services building" in Western Sydney, Australia. The construction of the new hospital building, "central acute services building", in Australia has finished three months ahead of schedule. The building includes two new emergency departments and 300 patient rooms and is part of a 1-billion Australian dollar (639.3 million U.S. dollars) transformation of the Westmead Health Precinct in Western Sydney. (New South Wales State Ministry of Health/Handout via Xinhua)
SYDNEY, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The construction of a new hospital building in Australia has finished three months ahead of schedule, offering more beds should the country need them during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities said on Monday.
The new "central acute services building" includes two new emergency departments and 300 patient rooms and is part of a 1-billion Australian dollar (639.3 million U.S. dollars) transformation of the Westmead Health Precinct in Western Sydney.
"Major construction has finished three months ahead of schedule, meaning this cutting-edge building will bring additional health services to Western Sydney at a critical time," New South Wales State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
While Australia has successfully limited COVID-19 infections, Berejiklian said the new facilities will help ensure health services can deal with potential surges in case numbers.
Beyond the benefits to the fight against COVID-19, the new hospital will also provide high-quality healthcare, research and education facilities on the doorstep of Sydney's fastest growing region for decades to come.
Once fully operational it will offer increased emergency response for children and adults, digital operating theaters, on top of integrated educational care in conjunction with the University of Sydney.
"Our health experts will be working alongside top medical and scientific researchers in this new 14-storey hub, which embeds staff from The University of Sydney, and includes research, education and training facilities," State Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
Work will be carried out over coming months to complete equipment installation and move services and staff for the planned opening.
