Local families and holidaymakers to Phillip Island will now have greater access to the urgent healthcare services they need, with stage one of the new Community Hospital now open.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the Phillip Island Community Hospital in Cowes to mark the opening of the Urgent Care Centre - the first service to begin operating from the new multi-storey building.
Managed by Bass Coast Health, it will complement the services currently provided by the Phillip Island Health Hub to better support the health and wellbeing needs of the community - such as after-hours care for minor, non-emergency injuries like bumps, cuts and bruises, mild infections and suspected fractures.
The service will provide strong links to specialists, community health providers and social support services and will ensure better follow-up treatment and support for those who require complex care.
The second stage of the project will transform the former site of the Urgent Care Centre and will get underway in coming weeks.
Once complete, additional services will progressively open to provide chemotherapy, dialysis, dental and day surgery - all helping to take pressure off nearby major hospitals, including Wonthaggi Hospital.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority and builder SJ Higgins, the Phillip Island Community Hospital project has created and sustained almost 100 jobs during peak construction.
The Allan Labor Government is investing $634.3 million in this year's Victorian Budget 2025/26 to open and operationalise nine new or expanded hospitals, including Phillip Island and community hospitals in Cranbourne and Craigieburn - delivering even better care for local communities.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Phillip Island Community Hospital will be a gamechanger for locals - making it easier for locals to manage their health needs or seek urgent care for common ailments closer to home."
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"The Phillip Island Community Hospital will help future proof healthcare on the island, through the Urgent Care Centre and adding day surgery, dialysis, dental and chemotherapy services for locals."
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"With more people choosing to visit or live on Phillip Island, the Community Hospital is an important addition to local healthcare options - ensuring there is more choice for urgent care or everyday services without travelling far."
