A $311 million expansion of St John of God Hospital in Subiaco in Perth’s inner west could be delayed by up to two years as it waits for a power upgrade by a local utility provider. Source: The West Australian.
St John of God was given development approval by state planners in May 2023 but submitted a request in December to extend the deadline for work to begin on stage 3 of the project.
The project’s approval is valid until 2026 but the non-profit has warned construction on the final stage may not start until 2028.
Work on Stage 2 had already started but St John of God says the next stage must wait on utility Western Power.
“Stage 3 cannot commence construction until high voltage switch relocation and upgrade works by Western Power are complete,” the submission to the State Development Assessment Unit said.
The submission also makes a series of tweaks to the design, including a new 20-bed orthopaedic ward and four orthopaedic theatres. It has been opened for public comment.
St John of God Health Care runs 26 clinics across four states, with almost 3400 beds.
A spokeswoman for Western Power said a delivery plan had been agreed with the hospital and the utility would start work in February.
“Western Power understands the importance of the project to the community, having appointed a dedicated access consultant who has held regular meetings with St John of God Health Care,” she said.
St John chief Tina Chinery said the Subiaco redevelopment was still progressing and would ensure the facility “remains a world-class private hospital of clinical excellence”.
She said the main purpose of the proposed planning amendment was to add beds and operating theatres.
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St John of God Hospital: $311m Subiaco project could be kicked back beyond 2028 (By Matt Mckenzie, The West Australian)
