Tenders have been released for a $14.5 million upgrade to the emergency department and ambulance drop-off area at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the upgrades are aimed at making the emergency department and ambulance drop-off area safer and more secure for patients, staff, carers and paramedics.
“We are investing $14.5 million in modern, patient centred emergency care for the north-west community,” Archer said.
“The ED redevelopment will deliver additional assessment rooms, increased waiting room space and better facilities to support patients living with disabilities and mental health conditions.”
Changes to the ambulance drop-off area are aimed at improving the flow of patients being admitted to the emergency department and help speed up response times.
“Redevelopment of the ambulance drop off area will also improve flow of patients being admitted to the ED, enabling faster response times,” she said.
The project falls under the first stage of the North West Hospitals Masterplan, which Archer described as “our vision and blueprint to transform health facilities in this region to meet the needs of the community, now and into the future”.
Designs were put together with input from emergency department staff, clinicians, paramedics and other key groups including Tasmania Police and consumer and carer representatives.
Pending approvals and the appointment of a builder, construction is expected to start in the second half of 2026.
