Baw Baw Shire Council has welcomed a re-election pledge from the Andrews Labor Government to invest $610 - $675 million to build a brand new hospital for locals in Drouin East.
The announcement has promised that the new hospital will include:
- 223 beds and treatment spaces (an increase in 75 from the current hospital), including 33 emergency department spaces (an increase of 19)
- Three new operating theatres equipped with cutting-edge technology
- Up to 25 spaces to provide outpatient care and specialist treatment
- A new birthing unit, including special care nursery cots and maternity unit.
Labor's announcement follows a similar promise from the Liberals and Nationals in June to invest in a new West Gippsland Hospital.
A new hospital for Baw Baw Shire has long been a key advocacy priority for Council. In November 2021, Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group to jointly progress advocacy and planning for the much-needed facility.
"Baw Baw Shire is one of the fastest growing regions in the state," says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney. "The West Gippsland Hospital is an absolutely vital asset for our community, but has long been struggling to keep up with the demands of our exploding population."
"Council has been advocating alongside the West Gippsland Healthcare Group to all sides of the political spectrum seeking funding for this badly needed local healthcare infrastructure. In June we welcomed the Coalition's pledge to build a new hospital. Today, we're seeing that election promise matched and then some by Labor."
"I wish to congratulate the hospital and all members of the community for their ongoing and passionate campaign. We don't care who builds it, we just want it built. It's been a long road but today it looks like we finally have confirmation that it will happen. This is absolutely fantastic news for our community."
