Floating Hospital To Be Put To Test
May 3, 1999
The largest floating hospital within the ADF inventory will soon be put to the test.
The hospital, more formally known as a "post casualty reception facility" (PCRF), is nearing completion aboard the amphibious transport HMAS MANOORA.
One of the primary task of HMAS MANOORA, to carry the number LP 52, will be her ability to deploy and support land forces in the defence of Australia and Australia's interests.
That support includes medical backup.
To do this MANOORA's medical has to be versatile enough to take a large number of patients with a variety of injuries. The ship's PCRF is designed for this work.
While RAN ships have previously had surgical and some triage facilities, the PCRF is purpose built and the largest floating hospital within the ADF inventory.
The facility will be capable of conducting initial surgery and postoperative high dependency care.
Facilities include X-ray, a pathology laboratory, a blood bank, a sterilising department, six high dependency beds and up to four operating tables.
An elevator will take patients from the PCRF to three low dependency wards each fitted with a minimum of 18 bunks.
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The operating theatre aboard
MANOORA nearing completion
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In the helicopter hangar is a triage (initial assessment) area.
When fully operational 63 extra medical staff will boost the permanent on-board team of two.
The extra staff have already been identified from shore medical facilities across the RAN.
Staff from the Army and RAAF could join them.
The facility also provides a medical training facility.
Each year the ship will conduct an extensive medical exercise which will hone and maintain a "level three" medical capability for those on board and in support.
MANOORA may also be used in a secondary role, one of providing medical support in the event of a disaster in Australia and within the region. She may also be deploy to provide protection and an evacuation platform for Australian nationals in the region in the event of a serious civil disturbance.
The PCRF will be accepted into the service over the next few months and is expected to be fully tested during upcoming test and trials in 2000.
By Graham Davis