The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with delivering a dedicated children’s emergency department at University Hospital Geelong, giving local families access to world-class emergency care, close to home.
Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong today visited the site to view construction on the $20 million children’s emergency department, a dedicated space, purpose built for families – with the capacity to meet rising demand in future.
Once complete in September 2024, the new facility will feature 28 additional treatment spaces, including two fast-track and eight short-stay beds, – with separate entry, new treatment rooms and support spaces, a pediatric triage system and waiting area.
The new facility is being created as a child-friendly environment with calming, muted tones and décor designed to help calm young patients.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Barwon Health and builder Kane Constructions, the project will create and sustain around 60 jobs during the peak of construction.
The project is part of the Labor Government’s $102.4 investment to deliverspecially designed children’s emergency areas in five of the state’s busiest hospitals, such as the Northern, Frankston, Casey and Maroondah hospitals.
For the Geelong community this investment builds on more than $500 million from the Victorian Budget 2022/23 for the flagship Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s will be built within the University Hospital Geelong precinct and will deliver additional capacity to meet increasing demand in the Barwon South West region.
Since coming to office, the Labor Government’s investments in our healthcare system – and the workers that look after us – total more than $158 billion.
“This new dedicated emergency department at University Hospital Geelong will ensure that young children and their families from across the region can access the very best emergency care when it’s needed most”, said Christine Couzens MP for Geelong.