Patients heading to the Royal Hobart Hospital’s emergency department will soon have to use a temporary entrance on Argyle Street, with the main facility set for a $130 million redevelopment.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said construction tenders had been called for the expansion, which will add 120 treatment bays.
The move is needed to allow major works across several hospital buildings, including upgrades to the lower levels of J-Block and new facilities in the Liverpool Street forecourt.
Ms Archer said patient safety would stay front of mind during the transition.
“Throughout the expansion, the ongoing delivery of health services and patient safety will remain our top priority,” she said.
“Importantly, the expansion design has been informed by key stakeholders and clinicians, as well as research into expected patient demand by specialist health planners.”
The new emergency department will include a dedicated paediatric area, separate waiting rooms for children and mental health patients and extra imaging facilities with CT, X-ray and ultrasound rooms.
Construction timelines will be confirmed once tenders close and contracts are awarded.
