More operating theatres, patient rooms and world-class services, including two new emergency departments, are all part of Westmead Hospital’s new 14-storey clinical tower, officially opened by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian earlier this week. It's a project that eHealth NSW helped deliver.
The Central Acute Services Building (CASB) – the highest health building in Australia – is the stunning centrepiece of the more than $1 billion Westmead Health Precinct redevelopment. It is one of three NSW Health locations to feature a Health Grade Enterprise Network (HGEN).
Designed to improve the technological experience for patients, families and staff, it delivers:
- Patient Wi-Fi
- Digital imaging for radiology
- Digital imaging for critical clinical systems such as electronic medical records.
Each of these helps provide the best possible healthcare to the people of western Sydney.
About the development
Developed by eHealth NSW, in conjunction with Nippon Telegraph and Telecommunications (NTT), the Local Health Districts (LHD) and NSW Health, the HGEN project provides critical IT infrastructure for the new multi-tenanted Central Acute Services Building (CASB).
In addition, it is being utilised by the University of Sydney, and the Sydney Children’s Hospital, where the medical centre is part of the platform. It is a significant milestone for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and the HGEN initiative.
“This is a fantastic symbol of what the Government’s been able to achieve, even during challenging times,” Ms Berejiklian said of the new CASB site and the Westmead Hospital upgrade.
“To invest in a clinical services building, a whole complex, and a $1 billion precinct – which will not just be a health centre of excellence but also an education centre of excellence – is an outstanding achievement.”
Key features
Key features of the new Central Acute Services Building include:
- two new emergency departments — one for adults and one for children
- 25 digital operating theatres
- more than 300 patient rooms
- 1.5 floors for the University of Sydney to further integrate education, research and health services
Service relocation
Staff and services began relocating to the new hospital building in February, with both the adult and children’s emergency departments now open to the public.
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) chief executive Graeme Loy described the official opening as a proud day for Western Sydney.
“I’ve had the privilege of seeing this incredible building rise up in the midst of a pandemic, and then watch staff move seamlessly into their new home while never missing a beat with patient care,” Mr Loy said.
“This is an exciting step in the evolution of Westmead Health Precinct and everyone involved should feel immensely proud of the role they have played in facing the challenges of COVID-19 whilst meeting the needs of our community.”
NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard said the collaboration between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney will mean patients receive cutting-edge treatment and care.
“Westmead is a shining example of how to attract leading health staff and researchers to provide the very best healthcare to Western Sydney residents,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This truly is 21st century health where researchers can be at their bench and before you know it, the decisions will be at the bedside.”
Westmead Health Precinct is one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia, employing more than 18,000 people across the biomedical, health and life sciences fields.
