Building works set to begin on Australia’s first stand-alone heart hospital as contract signed

The ‘game-changing’ Victorian Heart Hospital is one step closer. Early works will begin next month on the Australian-first, 195- bed centre, which will position the state as a world leader in cardiovascular research, education and treatment.

An artist’s impression of the Victorian Heart Hospital in Clayton. Picture: Supplied

Final designs are being finetuned for Australia’s first stand-alone specialist heart hospital.

A contract to build the $564 million Victorian Heart Hospital has now been awarded to the John Holland Group, allowing early works at the Clayton site next month.

First promised during the 2014 State Election campaign, the Andrews Government is on track to complete the 195-bed Victorian Heart Hospital in 2022.

With capacity to provide 2000 cardiac surgeries, 13,500 cardiac catheterisation laboratory procedures and 108,000 consultations and outpatient appointments a year, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said the hospital would bring together leading cardiovascular experts to provide research and training for the next generation of Victorian heart specialists.

Artist impression of the new Victorian Heart Hospital in Clayton. Picture: Supplied

“The Victorian Heart Hospital is going to be a game changer for cardiac research, treatment and care in Victoria. It’s a step closer and we’re getting it done,” Ms Mikakos said.

“We’re positioning Victoria as a world leader in cardiovascular research, education and treatment. This will save lives.”

The stand alone hospital will be built in the Monash University grounds off Blackburn Rd adjacent to the Australian Synchrotron.

Ms Mikakos said local industries will provide 90 per cent of the project’s materials and more than 1,700 construction jobs will be created during construction.

Artist impression of the new Victorian Heart Hospital in Clayton. Picture: Supplied

The Victorian Heart Hospital is will include an emergency department, cardiac catheterisation labs, specialist surgical and imaging facilities and telehealth services that can link adult and paediatric patients and specialists across Australia and internationally.

The Andrews Government initially pledged $150 million towards the project and hoped private backers would fund the remaining contributions when first detailing its heart hospital plans.

However, after struggling to gain financial support the government increased its commitment to $470 million in December 2017, with Monash University contributing most of the additional funding.

The hospital’s design also allows for a $100 million expansion in the future if required.

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