The Allan Labor Government is getting on with delivering world-class healthcare for families in Melbourne's west, with the critical expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital's emergency department reaching structural completion.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne and Member for Werribee John Lister today visited the construction site to celebrate the massive project milestone - that, once complete, will see the capacity of the existing emergency department doubled, supporting 25,000 more patients each and every year.
With major structural works now complete, the internal fit-out of the space will commence. Locals will see construction activity on the exterior facade continue, including the installation of pre-cast panels featuring striking Indigenous artwork.
Once complete, the new emergency department will see patient treatment spaces expanded from 33 to 67, and will include four new resuscitation bays, 16 short stay beds, 36 emergency care cubicles as well as a behavioural assessment room - meaning more locals can access the emergency care and treatment they need, closer to home.
Not only will the project cut wait times for patients, but the expanded facilities will also ensure our dedicated doctors, nurses, allied health workers and support services have a modern workplace designed to ensure they can deliver the best possible emergency care.
The expansion is part of a $280 million package boosting the capacity of the emergency departments at both Werribee Mercy Hospital and Casey Hospital Berwick - two of Melbourne's fastest growing suburbs.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Mercy Health, Lyons Architecture and builder Besix Watpac, the project is on track to be completed in 2026 and has supported more than 400 construction jobs.
Locals in the West are already benefiting from the expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital completed in 2018 - the more than $120 million project delivered new inpatient beds, new critical care beds, new operating theatres and 54 extra mental health beds.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"As Melbourne's outer west continues to grow we're investing in important health infrastructure projects, like the ED in Werribee, so our hospitals can continue providing the very best care to locals, closer to home."
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"The expansion of the ED at Werribee Mercy Hospital will mean our dedicated health doctors and nurses can treat an additional 25,000 patients every single year - this will make a massive difference for the local community."
As stated by the Member for Werribee John Lister
"Werribee is one of the fastest growing regions in Melbourne, so the expansion of the ED is significant for our community - it's fantastic to see the project coming to life."
