One of the biggest healthcare infrastructure projects in Western Australia’s history is Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH), which is situated in Murdoch. The hospital, which bears the name of renowned epidemiologist Professor Fiona Stanley, was designed to meet the expanding medical requirements of the southern metropolitan area of Perth.
Construction Cost and Funding
The initial estimated capital cost for FSH was approximately AUD $1.76 billion. However, with the inclusion of additional facilities, such as the 140-bed State Rehabilitation Service funded by the Federal Government at a cost of $255.7 million, the total expenditure escalated to around AUD $2 billion . This investment marked FSH as the largest building project ever undertaken by the Western Australian Government at the time .Audit Office of Western AustraliaWikipedia+3The Fifth Estate+3Business World Magazine+3Stantec
Project Timeline and Challenges
Construction commenced in September 2009, with the hospital reaching practical completion in December 2013. Despite the initial schedule aiming for an April 2014 opening, the hospital’s inauguration was delayed due to technological challenges and cost overruns. The facility began operations in phases starting in October 2014 and became fully operational by March 2015 .PerthNowWikipedia
Facilities and Services
Spanning over 150,000 square meters, FSH comprises five main buildings and offers 783 beds, including a 140-bed rehabilitation service. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of services, such as a major trauma center, state burns service, comprehensive cancer center, and specialized units for obstetrics, neonatology, and mental health. Additionally, the hospital integrates advanced technological systems and sustainable design features, emphasizing patient comfort and environmental responsibility