West Gippsland has been promised almost $700m for new hospital

Almost $700m has been promised for a new hospital in the state’s east.

West Gippsland would see a brand new hospital and aged care facility built, if Labor is re-elected in November.

On Monday Premier Daniel Andrews promised between $610m and $675m for the project which would be built in Drouin East and service all of West Gippsland.

It comes after the opposition pledged $400m for the construction of a hospital but no aged care facility.

State-owned land on the corner of Princes Highway and Lardners Track has been earmarked for the project if it goes ahead.

An emergency department of up to 33 treatment spaces would be included as well as 223 beds and other non-emergency treatments spaces.

This is an increase of up to 75 treatment spaces from the old hospital site.

Staff accommodation would also be included to help “house and train the next generation of healthcare workers”.

Mr Andrews defended criticism about why it had taken so long for the government to respond to the community’s call for such a facility.

“If you’re going to do it, you’ve got to do it properly … We’re the only people offering that,” he said.

Construction on the facility would begin by 2024, with works expected to be finished in 2028.

Mr Andrews said the facility was needed for the increasing community, but acknowledged the work wouldn’t stop here and further upgrades would be necessary in years to come.

“It will be big enough for a considerable period of time. Will there need to be more done in 15-20 years time? Almost certainly,” he said.

“More and more Victorians have discovered West Gippsland is a beautiful place to live and work – this booming population needs a new local hospital to deliver world-class care.”