Multiplex selected for $256m Joondalup project

Multiplex has been awarded the early contractor involvement (ECI) tender for the second stage of the Joondalup Health Campus Development. 

Ramsay Health Care and Multiplex will work together to continue to develop the detailed design of works for the proposed expansion to the campus, which has so far been informed by feedback from clinical experts within the hospitals, as well as consumers. 

This will also include documenting the timing and sequencing, construction methodology, staging and agreed costing. 

The total cost of the expansion is estimated at $256.7 million, of which the federal government has funded $158 million via the Western Australia Hospital Infrastructure Package.

Ramsay Health Care and Multiplex are expected to present an ECI proposal to the state government in the second quarter of 2021. 

If accepted, the project will start construction, with the entire build expected to be completed by late 2025.

The first package of early works will involve increasing the capacity of the hospital to safely manage patients with infectious diseases, by creating a new 12-bay infectious diseases unit within the emergency department. 

Health Minister Roger Cook said the unit would be extremely helpful for any future infection outbreaks in Western Australia. 

“The design of the new 12-bay infectious diseases unit was informed by the hospital’s experience last year in caring for 42 COVID-positive patients,” he said.  

“It equips Joondalup Health Campus with an appropriate facility to rapidly limit spread and protect others, whilst providing high-quality emergency care to the affected individual.

“The unit will be set up with negative airflow, as well as two dedicated negatively pressured isolation rooms, features which really enhance the safety of staff and other patients.”

Also forming part of the early work will be the establishment of a three-bay behaviour assessment urgent care clinic within the emergency department, designated for those who are behaviourally affected, including under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Other features of the expansion include an additional 90 inpatient beds to meet future demand, six more critical care beds, increased parking bays, as well as a new operating theatre and cardiac catheter laboratory.