By Bonny Burrows
St John of God Berwick Hospital’s new $120 million facility is now open.
On 18 January, after 12 months of meticulous planning, staff and patients were relocated to the new state-of-the-art hospital on Kangan Drive.
It was an early morning for the hospital community, who began moving its first patients Margaret Foyster and Ross Neilson via ambulance from 8am to avoid the sweltering 38-degree heat.
By midday, the pair were joined by half of the healthcare provider’s clients, including premature-born twins Malachi and Rafferty.
The hospital’s marketing manager Lisa Carman said planning for moving day was a military like operation.
“There’s been constant communication between our two command centres at Gibb Street and Kangan Drive via video link, a lot of meticulous planning,” Ms Carman said.
“It’s a well-oiled machine.”
As the hospital’s first female patient, Ms Foyster was greeted by a crowd of cheering hospital staff.
The 77-year-old, who had spent the past week at the Gibb Street site after a stoma bag reversal, said she was delighted to be a part of history.
“I imagine I’ll only be in here for another few days but at least I’ve had a taste of this beautiful place,” Ms Foyster said.
“It’s great to be a part of this exciting day.”
She praised the hospital for its “very smooth” transition which she said couldn’t have gone better.
A Rowville local, Ms Foyster said the hospital’s design was first-class.
“The rooms are magnificently spacious and I understand everyone’s got a view, which for someone like me means a lot,” she said.
“It’s very light and beautiful. It’s like being in a hotel.”
In an ironic turn of events, the hospital’s first admitted male patient was a fund-raising committee member.
Ross Nielson was admitted to the Gibb Street hospital after experiencing a flare up of bowel inflammation on his first day back at work at his Berwick real estate.
Mr Nielson, who first toured the hospital with the committee in hard hats 18 months ago, did not think he would be the first male patient through the hospital’s doors.
“I went up with the construction crew and saw it in a very raw state, and in December I saw the final product, but I never thought I’d be here,” Mr Nielson said.
“My wife and I are still laughing about it. Someone upstairs has got a very wicked sense of humour, because here I am.”
The 62-year-old described the hospital as “perfect” and said staff would have a hard time getting rid of patients.
“It’s very impressive. I’m a bit worried patients won’t want to go home,” he said.
