On October 24, Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced Bendigo-based construction firm Searle Bros had been appointed to refurbish the central sterile services department at KDHS.
The department upgrades will create a dedicated space for increased sterile equipment, freeing up the procedure room previously used for storage.
KDHS chief executive Anne McEvoy said the refurbishment would act to “future-proof” elective surgical procedures in Kyabram and help surrounding regional communities receive help closer to home.
“We are looking at where we can be more efficient and continue to maintain a safe and quality service,” she said.
The health service has been using a temporary portable CSSD, but upgrades to a permanent one will streamline the efficiency of cleaning and sterilising equipment for surgeries significantly.
This change is expected to reduce wait times for elective surgeries, benefiting local patients.
In March, Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited KDHS, announcing a substantial $4.5 million investment from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund for the department’s refurbishment.
The project will modernise operating room equipment, including a reverse osmosis water system for ultra-pure water, advanced sterilising equipment, an ultrasonic unit for thorough cleaning, and a state-of-the-art endoscope cleaning and storage system.
These upgrades are expected to enhance patient safety and improve surgical outcomes.
It is expected that the air conditioning and heating ventilation systems will also be replaced.
Ms Thomas said the refurbishment was a “significant project” to ensure Kyabram and district residents could receive high-quality care and treatment they needed closer to home.
Searle Bros began work on the KDHS department renovation in November.
The refurbishment, which will significantly enhance healthcare services for the Kyabram community, is anticipated to be completed by May 2025.
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