In anticipation of increased demand for COVID beds following Tasmania’s borders reopening in December 2021, the AMU project was expanded to include an upgrade of an additional LGH ward able to accommodate COVID-19 patients.

The upgrade incorporated the development of nine negative pressure isolations rooms to support the AMU as the primary respiratory diseases ward, including for the treatment of COVID-19.

The works included significant and complex building, mechanical, electrical and other building services upgrades. Construction was undertaken alongside the remaining active AMU ward, which remained in full service throughout the build.

Complex construction activity operated across multiple floors of the LGH and required significant integration with existing LGH services.

Accelerated works on Ward 3R were completed in mid-December 2021 with further ventilation upgrades additionally provided, the ward continued to operate as a COVID backup ward as required.

Due to innovations around staging, revisited estimates and early risk and contingency plans, the project was completed 3-4 months ahead of schedule and $1m under budget.