- Minister for Health
The Andrews Labor Government has kicked off the expansion of Sunshine Hospital's emergency department, which will soon give families in Melbourne's west the world-class care they deserve.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos and Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman turned the first sod on the site today, signalling the start of official construction on the $34.8million project.
The Sunshine Hospital emergency department is one of Victoria's busiest, treating around 65,000 patients a year.
Once complete, the bigger and better emergency department will be able to treat an extra 59,000 patients each year, with treatment spaces more than doubling from 55 to 120.
A trip to the emergency department can be scary for kids, but this project will make it that little bit less intimidating, providing a calmer, more compassionate environment to treat 19,700 children a year.
The emergency department will also include a mental health and alcohol and other drug crisis hub with a 24-hour short stay unit to treat people with mental health or drug or alcohol problems in urgent need.
The expanded Sunshine Hospital emergency department is expected to open in 2021, creating 100 jobs during the peak of construction. It's just one of the projects the Government has or will deliver as part of its unprecedented $7 billion health infrastructure build program.
The Labor Government opened the flagship $200 million Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital in St Albans earlier this year and is getting on with building the $1.5 billion new Footscray Hospital and planning for a new hospital in Melton.
The Government is providing record funding for hospitals and health services to treat more patients and provide even better care, helping meet the needs of Melbourne's booming western region.
Western Health has been allocated $705.16 million in funding this financial year, an increase of $37.27 million compared with the previous 12 months and $186.58 million more than the former Liberal Government.
As stated by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
"This massive expansion will deliver the services that local families deserve, ensuring they can get the best emergency care, when they need it, closer to home."
"A trip to the emergency department can be frightening for kids. That's why we're creating a dedicated, calming space designed specifically for children, so parents can have peace of mind during a stressful time."
As noted by Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
"This is about making sure families in Melbourne's west get seen faster and receive the world-class care they need to get back on their feet."
