Construction of the $630 million world-class new Bendigo Hospital is finished one month ahead of schedule.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today joined Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan to celebrate the ‘technical completion’ of the new hospital that will open its doors to patients in late January.
After an extensive inspection, an independent reviewer issued a certificate last week giving the final construction works the tick of approval. Final testing can now be carried out to ensure the hospital meets specifications.
The early completion of the project means more than 3000 staff who will be transitioning into the new facility have access to the building a month early to complete training and induction, and orientation.
It also allows additional time to conduct more simulation exercises and readiness testing to ensure a smooth move day when patients will be transferred to the new hospital.
Finishing touches now underway include installation of cutting edge medical equipment, landscaping and the delivery of new furniture such as trolleys, cabinets and chairs. There are now about 150 workers still onsite.
The massive new hospital – regional Victoria’s largest ever hospital project – was signed off by the former Labor Government in 2010, and will create an additional 220 jobs in its first 12 months.
When it opens next year, it will have capacity for 372 inpatient beds, 72 same-day beds, 11 operating theatres, an integrated cancer centre, a new 25-bed maternity unit and an 80-bed mental health unit.
In 2016/17, Bendigo Health will receive $275.25 million in funding from the Labor Government. This is $32.17 million – or 13.2 per cent – more than provided the previous financial year in order to expand services when the new Bendigo Hospital opens.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’re putting patients in Bendigo first, ensuring they can access the very best health care when they need it, close to home. This world class new hospital will do just that.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"This hospital will change the lives of so many people, and I'm proud to have been part of its journey from the start, ten years ago, with our promise of master planning, then designing and funding it, and now delivering it.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“The new hospital will make a huge difference to our hardworking doctors and nurses by giving them the modern and safe facilities they need to do their jobs saving lives and keeping people in Bendigo healthy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020