New ICU Paves Way For Major Expansion At Northern Hospital

  • Minister for Health

The Andrews Labor Government’s expansion of the Northern Hospital in Epping has taken a major step forward with the opening of the new Intensive Care Unit.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today joined northern suburbs MPs to open the cutting edge ICU, which will care for the most critically ill patients.

Completion of the $22 million world-class ICU paves the way for construction on the main works of the $162.7 million expansion, which will include a seven-storey tower, 96 new inpatient beds, three new operating theatres and more treatment rooms.

The region is one of the nation’s fastest growing and once the project is complete an extra 10,000 patients will be treated every year, with additional beds and operating theatres.

Funded by the Labor Government, the major expansion will help keep the booming outer-northern suburbs a great place to live and raise a family.

In the past year, Northern Hospital’s emergency department exceeded 100,000 presentations for the first time.

The new ICU features central monitoring, creating a safer environment and a more efficient workspace for doctors and nurses. Early works have also delivered a new loading dock and other support services.

The project is also a big boost for the local economy, with 66 construction jobs being created for early works and nearly 500 jobs overall. Construction is due to finish in 2021.

Northern Health received $481.23 million in funding from the Labor Government last year – $161.15 million more than the Liberals’ last budget.

As stated by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos

“Our hard-working doctors and nurses at Northern Health do an amazing job caring for people who need their help. We’re completing a once-in-a-generation redevelopment so they can do what they do best.”

As stated by Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny

“More and more families are moving into the northern suburbs. We’re building a bigger and better Northern Hospital so that they get the very best care when something goes wrong.”

As stated by Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio

“Seeing a critically-ill loved one in intensive care can be confronting and distressing. This cutting-edge new ICU will help make that difficult experience just a little bit more comfortable.”

As stated by Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire

“This cutting-edge new ICU will make sure the most critically ill patients in the northern suburbs can get the care they need in a more comforting environment, close to their homes and community.”

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