CASEY Hospital will grow by 160 beds and four operating theatres under a boosted expansion announced by the State Government on 9 October.
The government says it will inject an extra $28.6 million into the project – which will now cost $135 million – due to soaring demand for acute health care in Melbourne’s south-east.
Without the extra boost, it was expected demand would outstrip supply within two years of the project’s completion.
Construction is expected to start next year on the extension, which includes an intensive care unit and a day surgery unit.
It is expected to open for patients in late 2019.
New education and training facilities for medical, nursing and allied health students will also be built under a partnership between Monash Health and Monash University.
As one of Australia’s fastest growing areas, Casey is home to a record 86 babies born each week and an average 7300 extra residents a year.
At the hospital on 9 October, Health Minister Jill Hennessy said investment was needed to meet demand in the future.
Premier Daniel Andrews said a “bigger, better” Casey Hospital would mean more families in the south-east can get treatment close to home.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Couacaud Graley will lead a community advisory group to help “shape” the project.
“Our community is a growing one and as we expand Casey Hospital to meet the needs of local families, we want them all to have a say and work with us every step of the way.”
