New hospital will be constructed on the existing Calvary Public Hospital Bruce campus
The ACT Government has expressed its satisfaction with the recent ruling by the Supreme Court upholding the validity of the Health Infrastructure Enabling Act 2023.
The new legislation will establish a new major hospital built on the existing Calvary Public Hospital Bruce campus. It will be owned by the ACT Government and operated by Canberra Health Services. The local government recognized that Calvary's challenge to the regulation continues. However, the government stressed the aspects of the transition process that the supreme court found valid could commence.
The transition team will establish a comprehensive transition plan in collaboration with Calvary. This plan will serve as a guide for managing the operational aspects of the transition period leading up to the acquisition date of July 3. Key components of the plan include the following:
- providing onsite support and information to Calvary Public Hospital Bruce workforce;
- seeking agreement with Calvary to novate relevant human resource system contracts;
- determining which ICT assets and equipment Calvary will retain;
- identifying other contracts that will be novated to Canberra Health Services; and
- agreeing on a mechanism to collect required employee data.
The ACT government said in a media statement that its primary focus throughout this transition is to support the workforce and ensure continuity of care for the community.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, "This is a welcome outcome, the ACT Government can now begin the formal transition process with Calvary, and we have a path forward to deliver an expanded and modern hospital for Canberra's northside."
Barr also said that the consolidation of public hospitals and the creation of a single network are expected to enhance coordination, resource allocation, workforce capacity, infrastructure planning, and overall health outcomes for the people of Canberra.
"Calvary has played a valuable role in the delivery of public hospital care in the ACT, and I thank all staff, past and present, for their dedication to our community. The ACT Government looks forward to our continuing partnership with Calvary for the provision of healthcare services in the ACT,” Barr said.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith emphasized that the court's decision brings certainty for staff and the community, ensuring progress in the transition and constructing a new hospital on Canberra's northside.
"We will work to provide the workforce, patients and carers the information they need during the transition period. We are committed to consulting with them and making their voices heard as we bring together our public hospital and health services," Stephen-Smith commented.
