Major structural works on the expansion to Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department have been completed.
Once completed, the capacity of the existing emergency department will be doubled and cater to more than 25,000 patients a year, according to the state government.
Patient treatment spaces will also expand from 33 to 67, and will include four new resuscitation bays, 16 short stay beds, 36 emergency care cubicles as well as a behavioural assessment room.
Now, construction on the internal fit-out of the space will commence and people passing by will see construction activity on the exterior façade continue, including the installation of pre-cast panels featuring Indigenous artwork.
The project is expected to cut wait times for patients, and the expanded facilities have been designed to ensure doctors, nurses, allied health workers and support services have modern facilities that can cope with high foot traffic.
The expansion is part of a $280 million package to boost the capacity of the emergency departments at both Werribee Mercy Hospital and Casey Hospital Berwick – two of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Mercy Health, Lyons Architecture and builder Besix Watpac, the project is on track to be completed in 2026.
Werribee MP John Lister said “the expansion of the ED is significant for the Werribee community and that “ it’s fantastic to see the project coming to life”.
Health Infrastructure Minister Melissa Horne said the expansion of Werribee Mercy would help the outer west.
“As Melbourne’s outer west continues to grow we’re investing in important health infrastructure projects, like the ED in Werribee, so our hospitals can continue providing the very best care to locals, closer to home,” she said.
