[10][11] Shortly after, on 24 May 2020, ACT health authorities announced the hospital would likely remain unused due to the successful prevention of a major outbreak in the Territory,[12] revising the cost of the project down to A$14 million.

[16] The ACT Government announced in February 2023 that the Garran Surge Centre would close at the end of the month, as PCR testing would no longer be available without a referral.

[18] It was a key part of the ACT Government's pandemic response strategy to triple intensive care capacity from 50 to 170 beds across Canberra ahead of an expected surge in cases during the winter months.

[19] When announcing the facility, Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said that due to the urgent need, Aspen Medical had been approached by the Government directly, as a tender process would have led to unacceptable delays.

[21] Despite these measures, a review of the hospital's readiness to act as an emergency ward in 2021 found there were significant issues with the building's layout, ventilation and fire safety that in some cases did not meet national health standards.