- Minister for Health
The Andrews Labor Government’s big redevelopment of Wonthaggi Hospital to give local patients the world-class care they deserve is a step closer.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale today visited the hospital, releasing designs for the $115 million project.
The centrepiece of the project will be a bigger and better emergency department to treat thousands more patients when they need world-class care the most.
Once complete, Wonthaggi Hospital will have the capacity to treat an extra 26,000 emergency patients each year, meeting future demand for the growing Bass Coast Shire.
The major redevelopment will pave the way for 18 extra emergency treatment spaces, three new operating theatres, a procedure room and a 32-bed inpatient ward.
The Labor Government is rolling out an unprecedented $3.8 billion pipeline of hospital projects to cater for a growing state. The Government is delivering on its $217 million commitment to redevelop Latrobe Regional Hospital, and building 10 community hospitals, including at Phillip Island.
The Government has given a big $100 million boost to the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund to help more regional health services build the world-class hospitals that patients count on, while the Government is also funding 500,000 specialist appointments in regional Victoria.
Construction is set to begin in 2020 and will be complete by 2023. The project is expected to create up to 345 jobs.
Bass Coast Health is receiving record funding from the Labor Government so local nurses and doctors can do what they do best, with $58.45 million invested this year. That’s $5.15 million more than the previous 12 months – and an 82 per cent increase since when the Liberals were last in power.
As stated by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“We’re building a bigger and better Wonthaggi Hospital so patients can get the very best care when they need it and nurses and doctors have somewhere to work they can be proud of.”
“Thousands of families are choosing to make their home in the Bass Coast Shire, and many thousands more visit for holidays. We’re ensuring Wonthaggi Hospital can meet that growing demand.”
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
“This is a much-needed and significant redevelopment that will better support the health needs of our local and visitor community.”
“With a new emergency department, more operating theatres and more beds, it means we can cater for our growing community, the peak holiday season, and treat more people, closer to home.”
