The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital redevelopment is one step closer to completion with the Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, officially opening the new state-of-the-art Emergency Department today.
The hospital redevelopment is now moving full steam ahead after the Andrews Labor Government secured $31.4 million to save and complete the project after it was plagued by delays and cost blowouts under the former Liberal Government.
The former Liberal Government bungled the project by failing to properly plan for significant asbestos removal, leaving behind a $30 million black hole.
To fix this mess, the Labor Government is providing $21.4 million to ensure the full scope of the project can be delivered, while the hospital will provide a further $10 million. This takes the total project cost to more than $200 million.
The opening of the new Emergency Department is the first major milestone for the redevelopment which is now expected to be completed in late 2018.
More than 40,000 Victorians are treated at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Emergency Department every year.
The newly-designed, 13-cubicle Emergency Department will deliver better care and comfort, ensuring more patients can receive the urgent ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat services they need, sooner.
It now spans the entire north east corner of the hospital and features new fully reclining examination chairs and cutting edge equipment such as electronic visual acuity charts to test vision and specialist ear, nose and throat endoscopy towers.
As part of the larger project existing buildings will be partially demolished and be replaced by a new five floor building, fully integrating the levels.
In addition to the new Emergency Department, there will be eight operating theatres and 14 recovery spaces, 37 same-day beds/chairs, 24 overnight beds, 42 outpatients consulting rooms and dedicated floors for teaching, training and research.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“After years of delays and budget blowouts under the former Liberal Government, I am proud to celebrate this project’s first major milestone with the opening of the new Emergency Department.”
“It means more patients will be able to be treated faster in a world class Emergency Department that boasts the latest advances in technology and patient care.”
“We’re getting on with the job of finishing the Eye and Ear Hospital’s redevelopment to make sure all Victorians can access the very best specialist ear, nose and throat care when they need it.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020