La Trobe University medical centre to be expanded at Bundoora campus
PLANS for a health and wellbeing hub in Melbourne’s north have been unveiled and include a brand new 125-bed private hospital.
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A HEALTH and wellbeing hub with a new hospital will be built on La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.
The university is looking for partners to deliver a 125-bed hospital and has plans for an integrated 240-place aged-care facility and 125-place childcare facility.
The current La Trobe Medical Centre, which provides GP and primary care services, will be upgraded for the expansion but the private hospital will be a new building.
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The university launched a public expression of interest on June 21 to find a partner suitable for expanding its health services.
University development vice-president Natalie MacDonald said the region had an under-supply of medical and aged-care providers that would only get worse as the population grew.
“This is an exciting project which will create outstanding employment and educational opportunities for our students and staff, as well as improved access to health services for local residents,” she said.
“Services could include a subacute hospital, primary healthcare and clinical services, as well as expanded space for aged care, rehabilitation, prosthetics, nursing and psychology.
Ms MacDonald said the university was committed to becoming an “economic engine room” of Melbourne’s north.
La Trobe has a 10-year investment program aimed at attracting private and government partners.
The university expects to grow the on-site workforce by 12,000 employees.
The centre will be privately funded through a build-operate-transfer model, meaning no educational funding will be used.
The EOI process closes on July 27 and the preferred partner will be determined by the end of the year, with construction to commence late next year.
The current hospital will continue to operate as normal during construction.
richard.pearce@news.com.au
@richardapearce
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