Critical Services Building

The Critical Services Building (Building 5) is part of the Canberra Hospital Expansion in Garran.

This nine-storey, 44,000 square metre building is the largest health project ever delivered in the ACT. It brings together critical care services in one modern, person-centred facility.

Overview

The Critical Services Building connects key hospital services in a single location. Patients can move more easily between the emergency department, intensive care, operating theatres, cardiac care and inpatient wards.

The design includes more natural light, outdoor areas and new lounges, making the hospital more welcoming and supportive for patients, carers and visitors.

Community benefits

• More connected and person-centred health services
• Better access with:
  • a Changing Places toilet
  • lower service counters for wheelchair users
  • clearer wayfinding signs
• Lounges and waiting areas throughout the building
• A children’s outdoor play zone near the emergency department
• Stronger links to nature through windows, gardens, courtyards and terraces

Project features

• Emergency Department: street-level location with its own entrance, redesigned treatment pods, and a separate children’s area with play and sensory spaces
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU): located on level 5 with two outdoor terraces, four paediatric beds, and improved family lounges
• Operating theatres: located on level 3 with modern technology, more theatres, an expanded recovery area, a Day Surgery Unit and a Post Surgery Pick Up Lounge
• Cardiac care: located on level 6 with a Cardiac Day Unit, Acute Cardiac Care Unit and Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories (Cath Labs) for both emergency and elective care
• Inpatient wards: bright and modern spaces with natural light in almost every bed space

Artist impression