The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has commenced the search for contractors to build the new northside hospital at the site of the Calvary Public Hospital in Bruce, Canberra, which it took over last year.
Being developed with an investment of more than A$1bn ($666.5m), the new facility will offer more beds and an expanded range of services compared to the current setup.
The ACT government will have ownership of the forthcoming hospital while Canberra Health Services will oversee its operations.
In pursuit of a delivery partner for the hospital, the ACT government has adopted a very early contractor involvement (VECI) delivery model, to assist it in early planning, design, as well as the constructability of the hospital.
This process will unfold in two stages, beginning with the assessment of expressions of interest (EOI), which has been opened, then leading to the ‘request for tender’ stage for shortlisted participants in the tender.
Under the request for tender stage, the government will rely on an interactive process that will help in selecting a risk-sharing regime, appropriate for getting a value-for-money proposition for the ACT region.
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith emphasised the need for "suitably experienced and qualified contractors" who align with the government's vision of a patient and staff-centred hospital design.
The deadline for EOI submissions is set for late next month, with the announcement of the successful delivery partner expected later this year.
Construction on the new northside hospital is expected to start by mid-decade.
Stephen-Smith said: “Canberra’s northside will continue to grow in coming decades. Planning now for a bigger, modern hospital will provide Canberrans with access to more health services, closer to home.
“The new northside hospital will deliver a welcoming and world-class facility that replaces ageing infrastructure on the Bruce campus. It will have more treatment spaces, a bigger emergency department and state-of-the-art equipment for our workforce.
“Most importantly, it will provide greater capacity for our health care system and ensure Canberrans can continue to access quality public healthcare across ACT as our population grows and health needs change.”