In short:
Wyndham’s hospitals are under pressure as the state commits $6 million to boost emergency care, but locals say upgrades and the delayed Point Cook hospital won’t be enough.
Jacinta Allan visits Werribee Mercy
Wyndham’s fast-growing population is putting mounting pressure on the region’s hospitals, with community members warning that recent upgrades may not be enough to meet soaring demand.
Premier Jacinta Allan, who attended the Western Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) Summit on October 23, has announced a further $6 million for emergency departments across Melbourne’s west to reduce wait times and improve patient flow.
Under the plan, Werribee Mercy Hospital will receive $1.5 million to establish a “fast-track” model of care for patients with less serious injuries or illnesses. The initiative will add three treatment cubicles operating from 7am to 9.30pm daily, helping to reduce wait times and improve patient flow for lower-acuity presentations.
Western Health will also receive $4.5 million to expand capacity at Sunshine Hospital and other western health sites. The funding will support the hiring of more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, as well as new discharge coordinators to help patients move from hospital to home faster — freeing up beds for emergency cases.
While the investment has been welcomed, residents and health advocates in Wyndham say it falls short of addressing the long-term strain on local hospitals. The city remains one of Australia’s fastest-growing municipalities, with emergency departments already struggling to keep pace.
Projects such as the ongoing expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department and the Point Cook Community Hospital, which has faced criticism from residents for being inadequate to meet local demand, are expected to ease some pressure. However, many in the community say more sustained investment is needed to ensure residents in Melbourne’s west can access timely emergency care as population growth continues.
The Point Cook Community Hospital has also been delayed and criticised for being undersized. In the lead-up to the November 2018 election, the state government announced it would spend $675 million to build 10 community hospitals in major growth areas, including Point Cook. At the time, construction was expected to begin in 2022 and finish in 2024 — but the government now expects to open the hospital in 2026.
