The Andrews Labor Government will inject an extra $28.61 million into the Casey Hospital expansion to deliver a bigger and better hospital with more beds than first promised.
Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Health Jill Hennessy at the Hospital to announce the funding boost to meet soaring growth in demand for acute health care in Melbourne’s booming south east suburbs.
During the election, Labor promised $106.3 million for a major expansion of Monash Health’s Casey Hospital with the construction of a new inpatient tower including 96 extra beds.
Casey is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, and the third fastest growing municipality in Victoria. Casey is home to the biggest baby boom, with 86 babies born weekly. By 2035, this will jump to 126 babies each week.
Its population grows by an average 7,300 people a year and is expected to hit 459,000 by 2036.
It became clear that Casey Hospital needed even more beds to meet this unprecedented growth. Latest data shows demand would exceed supply only two years after the redevelopment is scheduled to be completed.
That’s why the Labor Government will inject an extra $28.61 million into the redevelopment, taking our total investment to nearly $135 million.
The extra funding boost will deliver an additional 64 beds, bringing the total number of new beds to 160. Consistent with our original commitment, the expansion will also feature four additional operating theatres, an intensive care unit and a day surgery unit.
The expansion will enable Casey Hospital to treat an extra 25,867 patients, perform an extra 8,000 procedures and support an extra 1,300 births.
And in a further boost, Monash Health will partner with Monash University to build new education and training facilities for medical, nursing and allied health students at Casey Hospital.
Construction is expected to start next year and be open to patients in late 2019. Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley will lead a Community Advisory Group to help shape the project and consult with the community.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Our bigger, better Casey Hospital redevelopment will mean even more families in the south east can get the care and treatment they need, close to home.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“Casey is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, with record numbers of babies born each year. We know we need to invest now to meet demand into the future – and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley
“Through our new Community Advisory Group we’ll work side by side with the community as we get on with delivering an even bigger Casey Hospital redevelopment.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020