Construction has begun on the refurbishment of the Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital children’s ward.
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The $3.5 million redevelopment, half-funded by Run Ballarat, is expected to be completed by May.
The refurbishment will include a new high-observation area for the sickest young patients, reducing instances of children in intensive care units with adults.
BHS chief executive officer Dale Fraser said the development would allow unwell children to receive top quality care locally.
“It’s going to mean that there’s no dislocation for kids undergoing medical treatment, where previously they’d have to go to the metro hospitals,” Mr Fraser said.
“Parents can be confident their children are getting the best care, in an environment which is comfortable, contemporary and has increased privacy.
“BHS staff will also have better spaces to do the great work they do every day.
“We’ve been very careful to make sure the designs are right and will meet our needs into the future.”
The hospital’s new Gardner-Pittard Building has created extra ward space for BHS to expand the children’s ward.
S.J. Weir Ballarat director Craig Jenkins said hoardings will go up before the walls of the ward are gutted over the next few months.
“It’s a truly local redevelopment, because the 15 tradies and 15 off-site manufacturers involved are from the Ballarat area,” he said.
Run Ballarat donates 100 per cent of registration fees to the children’s ward. The event has raised more than $920,000 in the past five years.
BHS foundation and fundraising director Geoff Millar said Ballarat should be proud of what it has achieved through Run Ballarat.
“It’s fantastic that the works on the children’s ward have begun this week, so people can tangibly see the impact their involvement has had,” Mr Millar said.
“Run Ballarat gives people the opportunity to get some exercise and experience their own city in a unique way.”
ARIA award winner Casey Donovan will headline live music and entertainment at Run Ballarat’s event village.
Participants can sign up individually or in a team to run the 12-kilometre, run or walk the 6km course, with kids able to take on the popular 1km event.
Registrations for Run Ballarat on October 22 are still open, for more details visit runaustralia.com.au.