The Allan Labor Government is getting on with delivering world-class care to families in Melbourne's south eastern suburbs - investing $535 million to upgrade and expand the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today unveiled a first look at designs for the massive, seven-storey tower that is set to be built above the newly expanded emergency department.
The new tower will be home to an operating complex with up to five theatres and 34 pre-operative and post-operative beds - providing capacity for up to an additional 7,500 surgeries per year, getting more Victorians the care they need sooner.
It will also include expanded maternity services for local mums, with new and upgraded birthing suites and maternity beds to support around 2,400 births annually.
For the hospital's sickest patients, who require close monitoring and complex care, a new intensive care unit with modern technology will also be included in the new tower.
The project will also deliver a new Central Sterile Services Department to improve the efficiency of processes that sees medical equipment delivered to the hospital's dedicated doctors and nurses - helping to get more people off waiting lists and into surgery.
The initial designs highlight the tower's striking exterior - influenced by an 'earth to sky' colour palette - and the way it integrates with the existing hospital infrastructure and busy Monash Medical Centre precinct.
The designs follow consultation with staff, patients, and visitors to ensure the project meets the needs and priorities of all users.
The project is expected to create more than 1,500 construction jobs and support additional job growth in the medical and associated industries.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, early works are set to begin in 2025, and construction is expected to be complete in 2029.
The delivery of the project is part of the Hospital Infrastructure Delivery Fund, with more than $1.6 billion invested in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 to redevelop three of Victoria's busiest metropolitan hospitals, including a $275 million upgrade at the Austin Hospital and an $812.5 million redevelopment at the Northern Hospital.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"The seven-storey tower will ensure world-class care for local families in Melbourne's growing south east, with improved birthing and maternity facilities and additional theatres to undertake more surgery."
"Monash Medical Centre is one of the busiest hospitals in Melbourne and is forecast to experience a significant increase in presentations over the next decade - that is why we are getting on with vital project."
As stated by Member for Oakleigh for Steve Dimopoulos
"We are investing in local health infrastructure for the future - ensuring the Oakleigh community can access the care they need, right on their doorstep for decades to come."
As stated by Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
"Locals in Bentleigh can be assured knowing they already have some of Victoria's finest doctors and nurses close to home, and once this project is complete, they'll have further options, meaning they can receive care sooner."
As stated by Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
"Monash Medical Centre is already a fantastic hospital with hardworking doctors, nurses, and health professionals - this game changing project means it will make it easier for families to get the care they need into the future."
As stated by Member for Mulgrave Eden Foster
"Timely care, when and where you need it, is so important, and with additional services to be created at Monash Medical Centre - including maternity and more surgery - local families will reap the benefits."
