$407.5 million Box Hill Hospital redevelopment a win for patients

Thousands of extra patients will have access to even better health services thanks to a $407.5 million redevelopment of the Box Hill Hospital, Premier John Brumby said today.

Visiting the hospital with Health Minister Daniel Andrews, Mr Brumby said the redevelopment would deliver new emergency and surgery facilities and a dedicated precinct for children's and women's health services.

"The Victorian Government is taking action to give families in Melbourne's east the very best health facilities, by redeveloping this hospital and hiring more doctors and nurses," Mr Brumby said.

"This $407.5 million investment is the single largest suburban health infrastructure project in Victoria.

"The next stage in the redevelopment of the Box Hill Hospital includes a new, larger emergency department with 19 extra cubicles, a new intensive care unit, additional inpatient wards, six new operating theatres and four refurbished theatres.

"This exciting redevelopment will deliver more than 100 extra beds, enabling about 7000 additional patients to be treated at the hospital each year.

"There will be two new endoscopy laboratories and a major upgrade to the hospital's critical care services, with a new cardiology ward, coronary care unit and catheter laboratories.

"The building works will create up to 2500 construction-related jobs, with work expected to commence in the first half of 2010."

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government had already spent more than $46 million at the Box Hill Hospital for a new renal dialysis service, new office and research space, essential infrastructure works and a 600-space car park.

"This latest redevelopment will substantially transform Box Hill Hospital into a modern, innovative and technologically-advanced hospital, able to respond to growing demand," Mr Andrews said.

"The development will double the size of the facility, with 60 extra inpatient beds and 23 extra same-day beds, so the hospital can continue to grow and meet capacity.

"The inclusion of 30 new sub-acute beds will help to provide care for our ageing population.

"Needing to go to hospital can be stressful for Victorians and their families, that's why we are building better hospitals and hiring more doctors and nurses."

Joining Mr Brumby and Mr Andrews at the hospital today were Member for Burwood Bob Stensholt, Member for Mitcham Tony Robinson and Member for Forest Hill Kirstie Marshall.

Building works are expected to be completed by 2015. The hospital will remain fully operational during the redevelopment.


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