A vehicle crash at St John of God Murdoch Hospital has forced the temporary closure of the hospital's emergency department, prompting authorities to redirect patients to nearby medical facilities while emergency crews assess the damage.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:13am on Thursday when a vehicle collided with part of the hospital building in Murdoch, a major healthcare precinct in Perth's southern suburbs. Emergency services responded quickly after receiving reports of the crash.
According to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), two crews from Fremantle Fire Station were dispatched to the scene to assist with the response and ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors. Emergency personnel immediately secured the area and conducted assessments of both the vehicle and the affected section of the hospital.
Authorities confirmed that no individuals were trapped inside the vehicle or within the building following the collision. Initial reports indicated that emergency crews were able to access the site without requiring complex rescue operations.
Following the incident, St John of God Murdoch Hospital announced the temporary closure of its private emergency department. Hospital management advised patients requiring urgent medical treatment to attend alternative facilities until further notice.
In a statement released through social media channels, the hospital informed the public that the closest available 24-hour emergency department is located at Fiona Stanley Hospital, situated directly across the road from the affected facility. Patients experiencing medical emergencies were urged to seek care there while assessments and safety inspections continue.
The closure is expected to cause some disruption to patient services, particularly given the hospital's role as a major healthcare provider for Perth's southern metropolitan region. Hospital administrators are working closely with emergency services and health authorities to minimise impacts on patient care and ensure continuity of services where possible.
At this stage, officials have not released details regarding how the vehicle came to strike the building. Investigations are expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash, including whether medical, mechanical or other factors may have contributed to the incident.
Building inspectors and emergency management personnel are likely to assess structural damage before any decision is made regarding the reopening of the emergency department. Safety remains the primary concern, particularly in a healthcare environment where patients, visitors and medical staff are present around the clock.
Vehicle crashes into buildings, while relatively uncommon, can result in significant operational disruptions even when injuries are limited. Healthcare facilities often require extensive inspections following such incidents to ensure structural integrity, electrical systems and critical medical infrastructure have not been compromised.
Residents in Perth's southern suburbs are being encouraged to monitor official updates from the hospital and health authorities regarding emergency service availability. Patients with non-life-threatening medical concerns may also be advised to consult local healthcare providers or alternative urgent care services depending on demand.
Emergency crews remain on site, and authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations continue. The incident highlights the importance of coordinated emergency response procedures in maintaining public safety and healthcare access during unexpected events.
