The Allan Labor Government is continuing to deliver regional Victorians world-class care closer to home with construction on the new state-of-the-art Swan Hill District Health emergency department at the halfway mark.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas said the structure of the new ED is now complete, with work on the $65 million project now focusing on the internal fit-out.
Once complete, the project will double the number of treatment spaces with a new state-of-the-art emergency department, four-bed short stay unit, isolation room, and behavioural assessment room.
The larger space will enhance capacity, with the hardworking team of doctors and nurses able to treat more than 25,000 people annually - helping to improve wait times for locals seeking emergency care.
In addition, the new short stay unit will ensure patients needing treatment and supervision for less than 24 hours can be accommodated, while freeing up space for more serious cases.
Designed with input from the people who will be using the new facilities most, including hospital staff, the new ED will support the privacy of patients, provide a modern and efficient working environment for staff and ensure the hospital can meet existing and future health needs of the local community.
The project is jointly funded with the Allan Labor Government investing $35.7 million and the Albanese Labor Government contributing $30 million.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), the new emergency department is on track to be completed by early 2025, with the balance of works to be completed by mid-2026, and is supporting around 145 jobs during peak construction.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"With construction on the bigger and better ED now passing the halfway mark, the region will soon be home to a new state-of-the-facility to better meet the needs Swan Hill and surrounding communities."
"The hardworking doctors and nurses at Swan Hill District Health can soon look forward to new and improved workplace that will help them do what they do best - save local lives."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"Swan Hill locals can now access the emergency healthcare they need and deserve, with more capacity and improved facilities, all while being closer to home and loved ones."
