Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel: Health department backs fears construction will affect medical equipment

SURGERY waiting lists may be affected by the vibrations of underground drilling for the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel, the Department of Health and Human Services says.

Drilling for the Melbourne Metro rail project. Picture: Nicole Garmston

SURGERY waiting lists may be affected by the vibrations of underground drilling for the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel, the Department of Health and Human Services says.

It backed the concerns of hospitals and medical centres in Parkville, revealed yesterday by the Herald Sun, and warned sensitive equipment could be affected during years of construction.

The Melbourne Metro Rail Authority has established a reference group to work with the hospitals and it could be willing to help move medical equipment if required.

“We have consulted extensively with Parkville’s hospital, university and research facilities about their sensitive equipment and other requirements and we will continue to work closely with them as the project progresses,” MMRA spokesman Peter De Luca said.

“The Melbourne Metro Rail Authority are working closely with our hospitals to ensure that there are appropriate mitigation strategies in place so that disruption and vibration has no impact on patient care.”

Melbourne Metro rail seen from the southern side of the CBD.

An artist’s impression of the Metro link.

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A DHHS submission to the Melbourne Metro environment effects inquiry said Royal Melbourne Hospital may need to reschedule surgery operating lists during construction.

It supported the hospital’s fears about the stability of its ageing buildings and said the work could also bother sick patients sleeping in wards along Royal Parade.

The department said the new $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre had “vibration sensitive equipment in below ground levels”.

DHHS also warned the project could force the closure of air ambulance operations into Royal Melbourne if protocols were not put in place to keep cranes away from its helipad.

Mr De Luca said the EES process would provide independent advice to shape performance criteria for tenderers contracted to build the tunnel project.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the State Government hadn’t “done its diligence” and the tunnel project was “fast looking like a re-run of myki or the desal plant”.

Public Transport and Major Projects Minister Jacinta Allan said the government did not want to see any effect on patients and promised to address the concerns of hospitals.

“Every effort is being undertaken by the Metro Rail Authority to address these issues,” Ms Allan said. “These issues have been anticipated, there’s already been a range of consultation.”

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