Epworth Geelong to get more beds and theatres thanks to a $20m expansion that will start in the coming months

The number of beds and range of services at Epworth Geelong are set to significantly increase after the announcement of a major expansion at the Waurn Ponds facility.

Epworth Geelong is set for a major upgrade.

Epworth Geelong hospital will undergo a $20m expansion that will see its bed numbers jump by more than 25 per cent and two new operating theatres introduced.

The investment will result in an increase of orthopaedic, cardiology and cancer treatments, and the further development of the region’s only neurosurgical service.

It will also enhance the hospital’s clinical and consulting expertise in medical and surgical services, including gynaecology, ophthalmology, and urology.

Construction has been slated to start in the coming months and will be completed over the next three years.

The move comes after the Epworth group’s chief executive Andrew Stripp commissioned a review of the Geelong facility following his appointment last year.

Epworth Healthcare chief executive Andrew Stripp.

Under the plan, Epworth Geelong will get an extra 66 beds, taking its total number to 316.

Two additional operating theatres will significantly increase the hospital’s orthopaedic capacity, as well as catering for more complex cardiology procedures.

The announcement comes almost a year to the day since the hospital’s maternity ward closed, which Epworth attributed to an increasing lack of clinical staff.

It is understood the expansion will mostly use unoccupied space within the hospital, rather than existing space, which includes the area where the maternity ward was located.

Experienced health executive Michael Mitchell, recently appointed as Epworth Geelong’s general manager, has been tasked with leading the project.

Mr Mitchell replaced Leonie Lloyd, who spent three years in the role.

Prof Stripp said the extra beds would help cater for Geelong’s fast-growing population.

“We are absolutely committed to serving the community needs of the growing Geelong region and this investment will build on our world-class care,’’ he said.

Alongside Geelong’s public hospital, Epworth Geelong treats more than 35,000 patients a year through the only other 24/7 emergency department in the region.

Prof Stripp said further developing the hospital’s neurosurgical and neurology services would attract leading clinical experts, ensuring the region received the best treatment.

“Our ambition over time is to establish a neuroscience centre that will focus on complex neurosurgery and world-leading treatment of acute neurological conditions, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries,” he said.

“Our goal is for Geelong to develop an enviable reputation for world-class brain, spinal and nervous system research and care.’’

A high-profile but ultimately unsuccessful campaign was launched in late 2022 to try and save maternity services at Epworth Geelong.

Originally published as Epworth Geelong to get more beds and theatres thanks to a $20m expansion that will start in the coming months