The Allan Labor Government has revealed new designs for the more than $500 million Barwon Women's and Children's - the biggest health infrastructure project in Geelong's history.
Set to be built within Barwon Health's University Hospital Geelong precinct, the designs provide an early look at the new maternity ward, inpatient rooms and play spaces within the contemporary, purpose-built facility.
With additional multi-day beds, birthing suites, operating theatres, and outpatient clinic rooms, the project will increase capacity to provide care for women and children once complete.
A new neonatal and parent care unit will also expand the capacity and function of the hospital's existing special care nursery to provide care for sick and pre-term babies in the first few weeks and months of life.
The local community have helped shape the new flagship Barwon Women's and Children's through extensive consultation including an online survey, workshops, and the project's Community Consultative Committee.
Locals across the region have helped to inform the designs, contributing more than 600 ideas for the new and expanded health service, with input sought including the community's aspirations and values, accessibility, wayfinding, cultural safety, and the look and feel of the new facility.
The input captured has been shared with the project's architects for consideration as they continue to develop the facility's designs - the final designs are expected to be completed in late 2024, along with the commencement of main construction works.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Barwon Health, Lyons Architecture and Built, construction on the new Barwon Women's and Children's is expected to be complete in 2029.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"We're delivering the new Barwon Women's and Children's in the growing Geelong region, ensuring families will be able to get the very best maternity and paediatric care, closer to home."
"It's critically important we build a facility that represents the community it serves - which is why we're listening to the community to shape this flagship project for the region."
As stated by the Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed their ideas towards the project to date, and in particular the community advisory group - the Barwon Women's and Children's will truly reflect our community."
