Canberra Hospital Emergency Department Expansion

The expansion of the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department was a critical response to the increasing demand for emergency care in the ACT, providing a 30% increase in patient treatment spaces and a purpose-built environment that enhances patient flow, safety, and accessibility. Studio STH delivered this $23 million redevelopment as part of the ACT Government’s broader $909 million Health Infrastructure Program, ensuring that the hospital could better accommodate the growing and diverse healthcare needs of the region.

The project, completed in two stages, added 1,000 square meters of new floor space and increased the number of treatment spaces from 54 to 75. Stage one, completed in January 2016, introduced 21 additional beds—including resuscitation bays, a 12-bed Emergency Management Unit, and a six-bed Mental Health Assessment Unit—providing specialised care zones that streamline emergency responses. Stage two, completed in May 2016, delivered the ACT’s first dedicated paediatric emergency treatment facility, incorporating six patient beds, two consultation rooms, and a private sub-waiting area to create a more suitable environment for children and families.

A key innovation was the use of an elevated structure suspended over an adjoining service road, maximising available space while maintaining essential vehicle circulation. Fast-tracked modular construction enabled rapid deployment of new treatment areas with minimal disruption to hospital operations. Through close collaboration with clinicians and stakeholders, Studio STH creates a future-proofed emergency department that optimises patient flow, enhances clinical efficiency, and improves overall healthcare delivery.