Risks Force Site Switch for Perth Maternity Hospital

The Western Australian government has abandoned plans to build a $1.8-billion maternity hospital at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and will instead build on land within the Fiona Stanley hospital precinct.

The government said original construction plans proposed for QEII posed too many risks and potential patient disruption for neighbouring Sir Charles Gairdner hospital.

WA premier Mark McGowan said it would be irresponsible to go ahead with the original plan to build at the QEII site because it added an extended timeline for project completion. 

“Fiona Stanley Hospital currently delivers more than 3000 babies a year and this new location allows the government to provide a modern, leading-edge maternity hospital next door to the state’s largest tertiary hospital, without compromising on patient care throughout construction,” McGowan said. 

▲ The Fiona Stanley hospital precinct.

While the government has already spent $10.4 million on the project, the cost to build within the Fiona Stanley precinct remained the same—with the budget allowing for a debt-free build.

The boost for state-wide maternity services included expansion of Osborne Park hospital’s obstetrics, gynaecology and neonatal services, birthing suites and theatres. 

Perth Children’s Hospital will also undergo expansion to its neonatal services. 

The original location for the maternity hospital had parking issues, which would have needed resolving through a private contractor. The government now owns the parking at the new site. 

The site is near Murdoch station—meaning public transport will be easy to access for staff and patients. 

In a statement, the government said project works were forecasted for 2024 and would create more than 1400 jobs.