Wonthaggi Hospital officially open with visit from Premier

A new labor and delivery complex and two new wards will be built at Wonthaggi Hospital within four years, Daniel Andrews has promised.

Wonthaggi hospital was officially opened by the Victorian Premier and health minister this week

Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas toured the $115 million hospital expansion - which includes more emergency department treatment spaces, inpatient beds, and increased surgical capacity - on Wednesday.

Mr Andrews said the Bass Coast Community “deserved” healthcare facilities which matched the high quality of care given by Bass Coast Health staff.

“As one of the fastest growing areas in regional Victoria, the Bass Coast Shire needs world-class health services to match — and this major expansion and upgrade of Wonthaggi Hospital has delivered just that,” he said.

Dan Andrews visits the Wonthaggi Hospital.

“These are the best facilities anywhere in regional Australia, not just regional Victoria, this is first class and the community down here deserve nothing less.”

Mr Andrews said it was crucial the “old, tired, sad and frankly unsafe,” buildings were replaced at Wonthaggi Hospital.

He extended his thanks to the entire workforce after a challenging few years.

“These past few years have been tough and they have shown us exactly what they are made of with very high skill levels matched by a level of commitment and hard work and compassion,” he said.

The Wonthaggi hospital upgrade was a bargaining tool in the state’s election late last year with both parties making large promises to fund the first stage of development at the hospital.

The Labor government has committed to have the second stage of the Wonthaggi Hospital expansion, which comes with a $290m price tag, completed by 2027.

This stage would include the construction of two new wards, a new labor and delivery complex and a new outpatient clinic with around 25 treatment spaces.

“If we can beat that then we stand ready to do that,” he said. “It is great to stand here talking about stage two in the finished stage one.”

Mr Andrews also praised the work Bass Coast Health do in programs such as Better at Home and Hospital at Home.