The Andrews Labor Government is delivering the best healthcare for families in the Latrobe Valley with a $217 million expansion of the Latrobe Regional Hospital taking shape, with all structural works now complete.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that the massive project, which is delivering 600 jobs during construction, is on track to be completed in late 2023 – ensuring residents in the Latrobe Valley have access to the high-quality care they need, closer to home.
The multi-storey expansion is made up of more than 20,000 cubic metres of concrete, 640 tonnes of structural steel, 2,500 tonnes of steel reinforcement and 180,000 bricks. With structural construction now complete, works can start on the facility’s facade and internal fit-out.
The expansion will deliver a new ED resuscitation bay, three operating suites, six intensive care unit beds, 14 medical and surgical beds, 44 inpatient beds and a medical imaging and pathology unit. Once complete the expansion will allow for an additional 6,200 elective surgeries per year.
Maternity services are also being expanded with the addition of two new birthing suites, six maternity beds, six special care nursery cots and a kids play area – ensuring more mums can give birth closer to home.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Latrobe Regional Hospital and Built, the expansion will help to meet the region's increasing health demands and is part of the Labor Government’s plan to deliver improved health services throughout Gippsland.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 is also providing $6.5 million for a new emergency department mental health hub at the Latrobe Regional Hospital. The new mental health hub will provide urgent treatment for people with mental health, alcohol and drug issues to relieve pressure on the hospital’s emergency department.
A $73 million expansion of the Latrobe Regional Hospital (Stage 2) was completed in 2017 and delivered 30 new acute inpatient beds, 12 new short stay beds, a new emergency department and Gippsland’s first cardiac catheterisation laboratory.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“This vital expansion is taking shape and means Latrobe Regional Hospital can meet the needs of a growing community.”
“Increased capacity and purpose-built treatment spaces will ensure patients don’t need to travel to Melbourne for complex procedures.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“It’s fantastic to see stage 2 taking shape, this $217 million investment will deliver a world-class hospital to benefit Latrobe Valley communities for decades to come.”
Reviewed 12 October 2022