Peninsula Health to lobby State Govt for $200 to $300 million redevelopment at Frankston Hospital

FRANKSTON Hospital needs a $200 to $300 million injection to cater for population growth, say Peninsula Health officials.

An illustration of the Frankston Hospital expansion, which is slated to cost up to $300 million.

FRANKSTON Hospital needs a $200 to $300 million injection to cater for population growth, say Peninsula Health officials.

They have spruiked a bold vision to redevelop the hospital into a world-leading teaching hospital and research institution.

Peninsula Health officials will lobby the State Government to provide funding for the revamp, which includes:

n 115 more beds for the local community by mid-2021;

n Seven new operating theatres; and

n An expanded maternity depart to match population growth.

Frankston Hospital chief operating officer Brendon Gardner said the expansion was integral to meeting the community needs over the next two decades. “As our population grows, it is vital we grow with it,” he said.

“The health and education precinct will help us attract the best and brightest minds to Frankston, so we can meet new health challenges in the coming decades head-on.”

Peninsula Health acting CEO David Anderson said the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula communities will benefit from a bigger, better Frankston Hospital.

“The plans we have released detail our vision for Frankston Hospital and the longer-term vision for a future health and education precinct with Monash University,” he said.

Officials envisage that the health and education precinct will include dedicated clinical teaching and research spaces operated in conjunction with Monash University.

Monash University peninsula campus pro-vice chancellor, Professor David Copolov, said the university was keen to build on its partnership with Peninsula Health.

“We look forward to partnering with the Hospital to expand our teaching and research activities in Frankston,” he said.

“This crucial project has the full support of the local community who understand the importance of having access to the best of care, close to home,” added Mr Anderson.

The announcement comes after Peninsula Health signed a deal to take over the large Frankston Tennis Club site beside Frankston Hospital.

Frankston state MP Paul Edbrooke said it was essential that any vision for the community’s future had to take into account the needs of our growing population.

“That’s why I support Peninsula Health undertaking a feasibility study for a future health and education precinct which includes a partnership with Monash University,” he said.

Officials said a feasibility plan was due to be completed next February.