Footscray Hospital: ambitious new target for more beds by 2025
The state government has revealed the 504 beds initially earmarked for Footscray’s new hospital won’t be enough, with population growth increasing healthcare demands.
Leader
Don't miss out on the headlines from Leader . Followed categories will be added to My News.
The state government has revealed the 504 beds initially earmarked for Footscray’s new hospital won’t be enough, with population growth increasing healthcare demands.
An ambitious target of more than 600 beds has now been put forward for the new $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital.
At a recent industry event attended by more than 350 infrastructure specialists, Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority director Tina Skliros said it was likely a 605-bed facility would be needed by 2036.
“While the hospital will provide a minimum of 504 beds (by 2025), there is a significant and sustained demand facing Melbourne’s west,” she said.
READ MORE:
FOOTSCRAY HOSPITAL ATTACK: THREE NURSES ASSAULTED
PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS PLEDGES $1.5 BILLION FOOTSCRAY HOSPITAL
FOOTSCRAY HOSPITAL: FEARS OVER ANDREWS PLEDGE FOR NEW FOOTSCRAY HOSPITAL
The new hospital will be able to treat an extra 15,000 patients a year.
It will also respond to an extra 20,000 emergency department presentations.
Authority chief executive Robert Fisk encouraged an environmentally-friendly design that would reduce the impact on natural resources.
“We consume a lot power, a lot of water, and produce a lot of waste,” he said.
“We are looking for sustainable solutions that will reduce the cost on our natural resources.”
The new hospital will be delivered as a public-private partnership on land used as a carpark next to Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus, on the corner of Geelong Rd and Ballarat Rd.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos said community consultation would start next month.
MORE STORIES:
Fury over Kylie’s Block walk off threat
Ricky and Haydn join Maddy and Charlotte as targets of the other teams’ ire thanks to their controversial joint win. But the anger reaches breaking point when one member storms off.
Exposed: Alleged criminals on the run from police in Bendigo
Police are hunting for these accused crims on the run in Bendigo. Have you seen these on-the-run suspects in your neighbourhood?