Canberra Hospital in Garran, Australia, is set to enhance its cardiology services with the opening of a new critical services building next month. 

According to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government, this development will see all cardiology services consolidated within the new facility, aiming to treat more patients with heart conditions. 

The new building will house an acute cardiac care unit, three cardiac catheterisation labs, along with a cardiac day unit.  

The opening of the new acute cardiac care unit will expand the hospital’s existing bed capacity from 19 to 28 beds while the cardiac day unit will more than double its capacity from nine to 20 beds. 

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said: “The expansion of services will provide more timely access to treatment for Canberrans in a modern and fit-for-purpose facility.

“Bringing these cardiology services together in the new building will also support smooth transfers of patients between the units, ongoing monitoring and timely interventions for patients where required.”

Some of the additional features of the new building include a procedure room for transoesophageal echocardiograms and separate rooms for diagnostic services for minimally invasive procedures and other minor operations.

The building will also have a stress test room equipped with both a treadmill and an exercise bike to cater to patients with varying mobility levels.

Preparations for the new critical services building are already underway, with Canberra Health Services staff currently receiving training and thousands of new pieces of equipment being commissioned for use. 

The facility is expected to open next month, marking a significant upgrade to the hospital's cardiology capabilities. 

Stephen-Smith added: “The expansion of cardiac care provides an example of how clinicians have played a key role in contributing to the design of the critical services building. Their input has been key in creating a work environment that is state-of-the-art, improves workflow and leads to better patient outcomes.” 

In February, the ACT government provided an A$17m ($11m) funding for the expansion of existing emergency and critical care services at Canberra Hospital.