Mater Redevelopment Project update

It has been six months since the turning of the sod, which indicated the commencement of major building works around Mater campus. Since that time, construction of the new Mater Mothers' Hospital (MMH) and the refurbishment of Mater Adult Hospital (MAH) has being progressing well. Below is a summary of what has been happening in the last few months:

• A large tower crane was erected into the centre of the ambulance platform of Mater Children's Hospital (MCH) and MAH. The concrete structure of the first two levels of MMH will be completed by the end of September. Fire stairs and lift shafts of MMH are well advanced.
• To maximise safety and emergency access during construction on the ambulance platform, general vehicle and pedestrian traffic has been reduced. This has included the relocation of the Patient Transit Centre to level one of Mater Community Services Building for a period of approximately 15-18 months.
• The expanded Mater Children's Private Hospital Day Unit has now opened, with space to accommodate 16 day beds and a pre-operative suite, catering for both insured and non-insured patients.
• The second stage of works in MCH related to the overall operating theatre area works has commenced with the demolition of the old Mater Children's Day Unit next to operating theatres. This area is being converted into theatre stores, MCH theatre reception and MAH Recovery. There works will be completed in December 2006.
• Total demolition of Level seven MAH has been completed and preliminary construction work has commenced for the new expansion of MAH ICU/HDU, Coronary Care Unit and Clinical Measurements. The wards which were located on this level have been moved to level eight permanently. The works on level seven have generated some noise and vibration impacts, in particular to levels six and eight. This disruption is unavoidable. Staff and visitors throughout the MAH have been immensely cooperative in tolerating these disruptions. These works will be completed in December 2006.
• The three level extension of the MAH towards Stanley St is progressing on time and all structural works are complete. Fit out of the areas has commenced. This extension will house the expanded Health Records areas and MAH Specialist Clinics facilities. These works will be completed in December 2006.
• The development of the new state-of-the-art helipad to be located on the roof of MAH is progressing on program. The all-aluminium system which includes the helideck, stairs and support beams have arrived from Singapore. Currently, the main structural columns are being extended through MAH roof for the aluminium deck system. The aluminium components are being pieced together on the roof top of MAH extension and will be lifted onto the roof by the crane near Stanley St. This work will continue through to early 2007.

For further information on Mater Redevelopment Project, please look out for the display boards in the foyers of the hospitals.