The Allan Labor Government is delivering a bigger and better emergency department at Swan Hill District Health, with the $65.7 million project on the way to completion.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas visited the site today to inspect the works so far, which once complete will more than double the treatment spaces - improving waiting times and giving more locals access to the emergency care they need, closer to home.
The project is replacing the existing, outdated emergency department and adding a new four-bed short stay unit, isolation room, shell medical imaging and behavioural assessment room.
The addition of the short stay unit will ensure that patients needing treatment and supervision for less than 24 hours can be accommodated, while freeing up doctors and nurses for more serious cases.
Once completed, the emergency department will have a new entry on McCrae Street and include a larger waiting area to support more patients.
Designed with input from health service staff and locals, these important new additions 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 Swan Hill community.
The project is jointly funded by the Allan Labor Government, with an investment of $35.7 million, and the Albanese Labor Government who are investing $30 million.
In an economic boost to Swan Hill and surrounding communities, the project has created and sustained around 145 jobs during peak construction.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority and AW Nicholson, construction is on track for completion in late 2024, with the balance of the project works to be completed in early 2026.
For more information, please visit vhba.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"With works continuing to progress at pace, locals in Swan Hill and throughout the surrounding communities can look forward to their bigger and better ED being just around the corner."
"More capacity and better facilities will ensure that more locals can access the emergency healthcare they need and deserve, closer to home and loved ones."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"Not only will the new ED help to improve wait times, but it will also support staff to deliver the best emergency care to the Swan Hill region thanks to its additional features and modern design."
