Proceeding with plans for a new emergency building in Kristiansand
On 16 December, the board of Helse Sør-Øst decided to proceed with a solution for a new emergency building at Sørlandet Hospital. The plans include new facilities for emergency services, intensive care beds, neonatal intensive care and medical intermediate care.
–This project is a good example of how we are proceeding with the planning of new hospital buildings throughout the region. At the same time, the current financial framework makes it especially necessary to consider cost adjustments and prioritisation in the project, says Svein Gjedrem, Chair of the Board of Helse Sør-Øst RHF.
Cooperation with the municipality
At its meeting on 16 December, the board approvedConcept report, stage 1for the emergency building project at Sørlandet Hospital Kristiansand. The board also requests that a plan be drawn up for cooperation and possible integration between the new emergency building and the new municipal health centre.
The option selected for further development includes medical intermediate care and neonatal intensive care, in addition to emergency reception and intensive care functions and operating theatres in the new building. Not all functions need to be part of the new building; conversion of existing premises must be considered in the proposed solutions.
Good facilities for the most vulnerable
The new emergency building will meet future capacity needs for all intensive and intermediate care functions. Neonatal intensive care will have new premises close to intensive care, intermediate care and operating theatres. This option will provide a good service for the most vulnerable patients.
With healthcare personnel expected to be in short supply in the years ahead, it is important to find solutions that reduce staffing requirements and enable flexibility. The new building offers opportunities for gains through effective use of resources (beds, staff and expertise), and supports future-oriented use of the space in terms of adaptability and flexibility. This applies particularly to intermediate and intensive care beds. The total number of beds can be reduced if the intensive and intermediate care units operate flexibly and jointly.
The final cost framework will be set when the next stage of the concept phase is approved.