- Minister for Health
Better care for local families is one step closer with the Andrews Labor Government unveiling designs for its major upgrade of Sunshine Hospital's busy emergency department.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos released designs for the $29.6 million redevelopment today, which will make sure more western suburbs families can access timely and world-class medical attention when they need it most.
The Sunshine Hospital emergency department is one of the busiest of its kind in Victoria. The Labor Government's investment will add an extra 31 treatment spaces and make sure patients get even better care.
The Government is also investing $5.3 million to build a new Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Centre and $44.3 million to deliver an additional 12 short stay beds and 12 treatment cubicles as part of the redeveloped emergency department.
Once complete, the number of available treatment spaces will more than double from 55 to 120, meaning Sunshine Hospital will be able to treat an additional 59,000 emergency patients each year.
The redeveloped Sunshine Hospital emergency department will boast a separate area for kids, creating a calmer and less clinical environment for children receiving treatment. About 19,700 children will be seen each year in the kids-only area.
The Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Centre will fast-track patients who need urgent assistance, freeing up the emergency department for other patients.
Similar facilities are being built by the Labor Government at Monash Hospital, Frankston Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital, University Hospital Geelong and Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The project is being delivered by Lendlease and will begin in October - and will be complete by 2021. The project will create 100 jobs during the peak of construction.
The Labor Government is building world-class hospitals for a growing Victoria, especially in Melbourne's west. The Victorian Budget 2019/20 fully funds the $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital, while the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital built by the Labor Government opened its doors earlier this year.
As stated by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
"The Sunshine Hospital emergency department is one of the busiest in metropolitan Melbourne. We're upgrading it, so that more local patients can get the world-class treatment they need, faster."
"A trip to the emergency department can be frightening for kids. That's why we're making sure they can get the care they need in a calm, welcoming environment."
As stated by Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
"This is about making sure families are not only seen faster, but receive better care that gets them back on the mend and back on their feet."
