Cranes have started coming down at the site of the Andrews Labor Government’s massive new Footscray Hospital – which for more than a year, was home to the most cranes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today toured the site which has now reached its maximum height, marking the completion of structural works on the main hospital tower – the final building to be ‘topped out’ in the new health and education precinct.
With the first three buildings in the precinct ‘topped out’ earlier this year, the hospital’s main clinical buildings are the latest to reach the milestone, including the 10-storey inpatient unit (IPU) tower.
The IPU tower along Geelong Road will include the new emergency department, more than 500 beds and feature a garden at the end of each wing where patients can enjoy views across Melbourne.
The sub-acute building on Ballarat Road will include the ambulatory care precinct and clinics like allied health, clinical trials and a wellness hub with a rooftop café. The design of these buildings has been carefully considered to create a welcoming and healing atmosphere for patients, families and staff.
Delivering on recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the new hospital will be home to 50 mental health beds, 16 alcohol and or other drugs (AOD) beds, and a mental health and AOD hub – ensuring people who need urgent care get tailored, specialised and fast-tracked treatment.
With more than two million hours of work carried out and more than 150,000 tonnes of concrete poured onsite to complete the structure of the new hospital, works will now focus on the façade and internal fit-out of the hospital as it moves towards completion in 2025.
To date, the project has seen more than 125,000 hours completed by apprentices, trainees or cadets, and more than 245,000 hours have been completed by disadvantaged Victorians.
Once completed the new Footscray Hospital will treat almost 15,000 more patients and allow 20,000 extra people to be seen by the emergency department each year.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“These iconic cranes have graced Footscray’s skyline for the past couple of years – and now they’ll start coming down, meaning we’re one step closer to delivering the new Footscray Hospital.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
“Our biggest hospital project under construction is now structurally complete – and in just two years, families and our dedicated healthcare workers in the west will have access to the very best facilities.”
Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“The new Footscray Hospital is a huge boost to our local economy, providing jobs and other growth opportunities for the booming west.”
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