By Mitchell Clarke
Catering for the eighth-fasting growing municipality in the country, Casey Hospital’s much needed $135 million redevelopment is nearing completion, with external signage being installed on the new tower.
Once complete, the full expansion will allow an extra 25,800 patients to be treated annually through an extra 8000 surgeries and procedures while also supporting an extra 1300 births.
The redevelopment will consist of 128 new inpatient beds as well as the hospital’s first intensive care unit in the tower, meaning critically ill patients presented to the emergency department won’t have to be sent to other hospitals.
Six new operating theatres, a new day surgery unit, an upgraded pharmacy, back-of-house areas and expanded parking facilities are also included in the expansion.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos visited the site to view the signage and tour recently completed patient recovery areas within the new tower.
“Casey Hospital looks after one of our most rapidly-growing communities and this massive expansion will ensure they have the facilities they need to continue providing the best possible care,” Ms Mikakos said.
“The hospital will be able to treat critically ill patients on site, undertake more surgeries and procedures and support thousands more births – which are services we know this community needs.”
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas said the redevelopment was part of a larger plan to provide healthcare to the booming outer suburbs.
“This is all part of our plan to ensure those living in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs have access to world-class healthcare now and into the future,” he said.
The new signage marks the completion of most of the services within the tower, with the final stage – the 12-bed day surgery unit scheduled for completion early next year.
