Families in Melbourne’s south west will have access to the emergency care they need and deserve, following the State Government announcement earlier this month of more than $100 million to upgrade the Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department (ED).
This was the message senior members of the Mercy Health Board of Directors and Executive relayed today to the Minister for Health, Martin Foley, when he visited the hospital site.
Mr Foley toured parts of the campus with the Chair of the Mercy Health, Ms Virginia Bourke, the retiring Group Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen and interim Chief Executive Matthew Posar.
Mercy Health welcomes the investment, which will enable the organisation to begin urgent work to double the capacity of its busy Emergency Department. The population of Wyndham is projected to increase by 102 per cent by 2036 and Werribee Mercy Hospital will need to provide public hospital care for almost half a million people each year.
Adj Prof Cornelissen said the announcement was both a recognition of the needs of the communities in the south west and also an important step towards an overall expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital.
“It is great news and we thank the local member and Treasurer Tim Pallas, who has been a constant champion of our hospital. We also thank the Minister for Health, Martin Foley and the Department of Health for working with us to identify and address some of the most urgent and significant challenges that we face as a public teaching hospital in a rapidly growing area,” Adj Prof Cornelissen said.
“We already have expansion plans drawn up and we are ready to commence as soon as possible.
“In on-going discussions with the State Government, we have not only pointed to population growth but also emphasised the need for upgrades of our ageing infrastructure and the growing pressure on our emergency staff.
“The investment in our Emergency Department is much needed and a positive outcome for all families who call Wyndham home. This is just one of many commitments that will need to be made to allow us to continue effectively serving the health needs of this deserving community.
“The finalisation of our master plan which is nearing completion will provide a clear blueprint for future and critical investment,” Adj Prof Cornelissen said.
Download full media release ( PDF, 44.1K )Last reviewed May 23, 2022.
