DESPITE ongoing pandemic restrictions, construction works at the Waikerie Hospital are on track, with the car park upgrades expected to be completed by the end of May.
Waikerie Health Advisory Committee (HAC) presiding member Justin Loffler said the upgrade works are on schedule.
“Obviously the works are subject to the COVID-19 restrictions like everything else, but so far, it hasn’t interfered with the upgrades,” he said.
“The works are being completed in stages, with each area closed off while the upgrades are going on, so there’s very little risk of breaking the social distancing restrictions.
“There’s been no virus scares to close off any contracts, but we’re not letting our guard down; everyone on site is being careful.
“The carpark upgrades are going well, with levelling currently being carried out, and we’re fairly confident that the car park will be open again by the end of May.”
The Waikerie Hospital building works started on Monday, January 20, and include redevelopment of the main entrance, addressing safety and disability access issues within the car parks, building three extra aged care rooms, and administration and reception upgrades. The entire project is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.
Mr Loffler said all visitors are being encouraged to utilise parking in neighbouring streets.
“We’ve tried to keep the work local and source contracts from here in the Riverland, but obviously there’s some need to reach out to Adelaide,” he said.
“One useful thing about these works happening at the same time as the pandemic is that all visitors have to pass through the one available entrance, which means the hospital staff only have to monitor that entrance.
“In a strangely perverse way, it’s been good timing.”
The Waikerie Hospital’s main entrance will remain closed until the car park upgrades are completed, and all visitors are asked to use the Jemison Street entrance.