The Australian Government is working with Fijian Government to ensure the 100-year-old Colonial War Memorial Hospital can continue to operate “until a replacement becomes a reality.”

Australian High Commissioner Ewan McGregor said this in his speech at the unveiling of the CWM Hospital Redevelopment Master Plan in Suva this afternoon.

“We are currently conducting a detailed engineering assessment of the issues being faced in the operating theatres and surrounding wards,” he said.

“We recognise the importance of bringing these operating theatres back online as quickly as possible.

“We are also supporting other work across CWM to ease patient flows and support the delivery of health services.

“Improving clinical governance and infection prevention and control, so that patients are protected from further infections, is a key focus of our partnership. 

“Australia is pleased that through our ongoing health program, we are able to support the upgrading of taps, sinks and equipment.

“We have also supported the recruitment and training of a national cadre of clinical governance professionals – working across four hospitals – to improve patient care.

“I am pleased the Doherty Institute in my home city of Melbourne is supporting the CWM Executive team to strengthen the performance of the hospital, particularly in the areas of patient safety and quality care.

“It is another demonstration of our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.”