The Andrews Labor Government has delivered Australia's first specialist cardiac hospital, with the Victorian Heart Hospital to open its doors to patients on Thursday.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today officially opened the standalone $577 million hospital at Monash University Clayton. The hospital will deliver life-saving treatment and diagnosis for thousands of Victorians each year.
Operated by Monash Health, the new hospital has capacity for 206 beds and up to 2,150 cardiac surgeries, 28,300 emergency presentations and 108,000 consultations and outpatient appointments each year.
The hospital integrates clinical cardiology services, research and education, allowing patients with heart disease to access world-leading cardiac care and ground-breaking research under the one roof.
The hospital will play a leading role in training Australia's future cardiac care medicine, nursing and allied health professionals, with more than 300 undergraduate students, 260 postgraduate students and 20 PhD students to undertake training each year.
Cardiac patients in country Victoria will benefit from cutting-edge telehealth facilities, connecting specialists with patients and their local doctors, reducing the need to travel to specialist appointments.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia - with recent studies showing that one Australian dies every 12 minutes from cardiovascular disease.
By building Australia's first dedicated heart hospital, the Labor Government is taking an important step towards ensuring better health outcomes for all Australians.
The Victorian Heart Hospital was delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Monash Health, Monash University and John Holland.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
"We are delivering the largest pipeline of health projects in our history - and the Victorian Heart Hospital will set new standards for cardiac care in Australia."
"The hospital will foster research that will benefit Victorians for generations to come, and help to train the amazing doctors, nurses and other professionals who work each day with such dedication."
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Victorian Heart Hospital will transform and save thousands of lives, and further cement Victoria's reputation as a world leader in health and medical research."
As stated by Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
"This hospital will not only serve our local community, it will provide the very best cardiac care for patients with heart disease across the state."
