Promises funding for new emergency building
Funding for a new emergency building in Kristiansand is included in the proposed national budget for 2025. Health and Care Services Minister Jan Christian Vestre said this during his visit to the hospital.
When the Minister of Health and Care Services visited SSK today, he revealed that the government had approved an investment loan of just over NOK 1.6 billion for a new emergency building. The funding will be provided through the national budget.
“This is a day of great joy for the people of Agder. We can now confidently continue planning this much-needed building. Patients and their families throughout the region can look forward to modern treatment in spacious facilities that are large enough,” says Susanne Hernes, acting managing director of SSHF.
Sørlandet Hospital will build approximately 10,000 square metres and refurbish around 4,000 square metres of existing buildings, including an emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit, postoperative ward and helicopter landing pad. Kristiansand Municipality is building its health centre next door, which will include an out-of-hours medical clinic and inpatient wards.
“When I was here in August, I saw the need for a new building. It’s great to be back and able to say that the NOK 1.6 billion grant is included in the national budget. Now it’s time to get started quickly. The patients, their families and, not least, the staff deserve it,” said Minister Vestre.
He came to Kristiansand himself with the good news, six days before the national budget is presented on 7 October.
On schedule
The tender for the design and construction contract for the joint building was announced a month ago, subject to funding.
“The process is on schedule, and it’s reassuring that we can continue working to find a contractor. In a couple of weeks, we’ll know which companies have qualified to proceed in the competition. The plan is to begin the preliminary project with a contractor in place during January 2025,” says Per W. Torgersen, project manager for the emergency building.
In parallel, theorganisational development projectis underway, with staff working to ensure the best possible patient flow through effective work processes and the right technology. All decisions affecting the layout of rooms and walls must be made before the contractor begins work in the new year.
Impressed
After visiting the neonatal intensive care unit and the emergency building, the minister and his party went to the psychiatric hospital department at Eg, which was completed last year. Here, Vestre gained insight into the challenges faced by psychiatric services, including patients who have completed treatment but cannot obtain housing in the municipalities. Vestre was clearly impressed as he was shown around, including the music room and gym, and spoke with dedicated and enthusiastic staff.
“This really is a wonderful, modern and flexible building, designed to meet any changes that may arise in the future,” he commented.