GEORGE NEWS - Building work on the new Mediclinic George next to Mount View in York Street is on schedule and progressing well. "We have been fortunate in that the weather has been playing along," says general manager Kassie Karstens.

The estimated opening date is early 2026. Rumours that the hospital, costing more than R1bn, is already too small and that the existing premises of the hospital will still be used, are not true, says Karstens. 

"We are planning a complete move to the new premises, Mediclinic Geneva included. From day one there will be 16 beds in addition to the 215 initially planned, as well as a complete day hospital with 20 beds and three theatres. This will remove a lot of pressure from our usual available beds."

He said by merging Mediclinic George and Mediclinic Geneva, the ineffective use of certain beds will be avoided. 

"Sometimes Mediclinic George is full to the brim, but there is space at Geneva. If the two are under one roof, it will bring significant relief."

The new hospital is a three-storey building of 25 746m². Planning has included oppor-tunity for expansion which can add 6 738m² and provide an extra 72 beds.

Infrastructure such as the kitchen and wash house is big enough to handle several additional beds. 

"Should expansion be undertaken, the additions will take place outside the hospital and once completed, will be linked to the main building. "This will ensure that no wards will be disturbed."

The project has been divided into blocks and the columns for most of the blocks are already standing. 

The floors of several of the blocks have been cast and at the doctors' rooms, the floors have been cast up to the second floor. The ICU is at roof height and the roof is already being put up.

"The brickwork for the emergency centre has also started and good progress is being made," says Karstens.

The hospital will feature a heart unit, a service that has to date not been available in George.

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