Emergency Department Set to Double
The expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department has reached a significant milestone with the completion of major structural works. This development is a part of a larger initiative to enhance healthcare services in the region. Once finished, the project will double the capacity of the existing emergency department, enabling it to cater to an additional 25,000 patients annually.
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The next phase of the project will involve the interior fit-out of the space. The external facade will also continue to see construction activity, including the installation of pre-cast panels featuring Indigenous artwork. The new emergency department will increase patient treatment spaces from 33 to 67, and include four new resuscitation bays, 16 short stay beds, 36 emergency care cubicles, and a behavioral assessment room. This expansion will bring emergency care and treatment closer to residents of the area.
The project is expected to reduce patient wait times and provide a modern workplace for healthcare professionals, enabling them to deliver improved emergency care. The expansion is part of a $280 million package aimed at increasing the capacity of emergency departments at Werribee Mercy Hospital and Casey Hospital Berwick, two rapidly growing areas in Melbourne.
The project, expected to be completed by 2026, is a collaboration between the Victorian Health Building Authority, Mercy Health, Lyons Architecture, and builder Besix Watpac. It has provided over 400 construction jobs.
Residents of West Melbourne have already seen benefits from the expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital, completed in 2018. The over $120 million project added new inpatient beds, critical care beds, operating theatres, and 54 additional mental health beds.
Melissa Horne, Minister for Health Infrastructure stated, “As Melbourne’s outer west continues to grow we’re investing in important health infrastructure projects, like the ED in Werribee, so our hospitals can continue providing the very best care to locals, closer to home.”
Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health added, “The expansion of the ED at Werribee Mercy Hospital will mean our dedicated health doctors and nurses can treat an additional 25,000 patients every single year – this will make a massive difference for the local community.”
John Lister, Member for Werribee, also commented, “Werribee is one of the fastest growing regions in Melbourne, so the expansion of the ED is significant for our community – it’s fantastic to see the project coming to life.”
