2025 took off quickly and life did not slow down for residents when Upper Ferntree Gully’s Angliss Hospital announced plans for the closure its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in January, bringing causing initial concerns, however renovations that year reopened the unit ahead of schedule.
Originally scheduled to reopen in August, the unit resumed full service on 30 June, well ahead of plan.
The ICU was temporarily closed on 3 March to facilitate the progression of stage two of Eastern Health Angliss’ redevelopment project.
At the time, the decision, driven by ongoing construction works at the hospital, sparked serious concerns about the impact on patient care, hospital operations, and the local community.
A nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, said the closure was communicated to staff in early January 2025.
The shutdown was driven due to interference from new construction ongoing at the hospital that would create dust and vibration, making it difficult for the ICU to remain operational.
ICU staff were planned to be redeployed to Box Hill ICU, and the local staff were worried that there would be a lack of support for obstetrics, general ward patients, and the theatre complex, all of which rely on the ICU for critical care.
The change meant fear for delays for patients needing intensive care, particularly as the state’s retrieval services were already stretched thin.
“Patients will have to be transported to other hospitals for ICU care, which could take precious time,” the nurse said.
The nurse said the community deserved better, particularly given the substantial public funding that went into the ICU’s construction just six years ago.
“Would you want to risk your life, or that of a family member, knowing that the ICU might not be available when you need it?” the nurse said.
Eastern Health’s spokesperson said at the time that managing a project of that nature, the safety of staff, patients and community remained of upmost importance.
“The next stage of the Eastern Health Angliss development project is underway and we are looking forward to its completion in mid 2026,” the spokesperson said.
“During construction, access to the ICU is inhibited. The practical solution to treat critically unwell patients includes treating all those suitable at the Intensive Care facilities at our Box Hill and Maroondah campuses.”
