Parkland Clinic Construction
For the next two years, Life Springs Parkland Clinic will be getting a facelift and expansion.
According to hospital manager Dr Tebogo Mphake, this will ‘deliver a radically different level of medical care, meeting the demands of clientele, and the quality of private healthcare.
The refurbishment of the hospital will include the improvement of aesthetics throughout the existing hospital, the conversion of some wards into private wards with en-suite bathrooms, construction of more ablution facilities, upgrading existing theatres, expansion of the coffee shop and the creation of additional parking.
The hospital will see the first phase of construction of a brand new block of medical doctors consulting suites being built on the bowling grounds opposite the back entrance of the hospital. This is estimated to be completed by March 2014.
The second phase of the renovation will see the expansion of the hospital’s surgical ICU and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), for which approval has already been granted by the Department of Health (DoH).
“In the second phase of construction we will be renovating the hospital itself, giving it a fresher look with the latest medical care technology,” says Dr Mphake.
The rationale for the project stems from the fact that the hospital has seen a strong growth over the past five years.
“We are one of the best performing units in the east region. The reconstruction will bring the facilities to required private standards and the upgrading will lessen the capacity constraints of requiring additional hospital beds,” says Dr Mphake.
In future, St Mary’s will be relocated due to its current location not being favourable.
“Its current location is in an old, decaying part of Springs and the area is also regarded by many as a haven for crime.
“I would like to emphasise that St Mary’s will not be closed down, as nothing has been made official. However, its relocation will also serve to benefit clientele as well as the hospital,” says Dr Mphake.
A new wing will be constructed on Parkland’s premises at the parking area at the back of the hospital for St Mary’s relocation.
He believes that this will result in an increased patronage for both hospital units.
The relocation will also serve as an expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
