The Canberra Hospital’s refurbished cancer and haematology ward was opened today, Tuesday 20 April, by ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith.

Ward 14B provides an updated patient- and family-friendly ward, with 28 beds for oncology patients.

Four additional bed bays will be used this winter for short-term and rapid intervention patients. They will also provide additional capacity for Phase 1 trials as part of the Government’s Cancer Clinical Trials program, exploring new treatment methods.

As well, the ward features a dining room for patients, families, and carers; a therapy / gym space; and new medical equipment.

Ms Stephen-Smith said the new design created a light, airy, and welcoming space.

“The refurbished ward adds to our modernised cancer precinct at Canberra Hospital, including the treatment and consultation spaces at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre.”

“Our dedicated health care workers look forward to caring for their patients in a new environment that will make a patient’s stay in the ward as pleasant as possible under very difficult and life challenging circumstances.”

The refurbishment is the second stage of the ACT Government’s $22.4 million program to redevelop the hospital’s cancer wards. The first stage, the refurbished Ward 14A, opened in late 2019.

The second stage of the project was put on hold in early 2020 to ensure Canberra Hospital could respond to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The project resumed last year.

“Ward 14B is another example of the ACT Government’s commitment to deliver patient-centred care in high quality modern facilities with our exceptional clinical expertise and care,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

The Health Minister thanked the patients, families, and health care consumers for contributing to the design of the ward, and the staff and contractors for their flexibility.

The ACT Government is now working with the Canberra Hospital Foundation and partners to fund the refurbishment of the courtyard.