A $20 million expansion will provide an extra 22 beds at Wyndham’s only private hospital.
Wyndham Clinic, opposite Werribee Mercy Hospital, opened 12 months ago and is experiencing a surge in demand for its services.
The expansion will also provide the hospital with another day surgery, a bigger recovery area, a dedicated drug and alcohol detox and rehab service, and a youth mental health service.
Chief executive Peter Bailey said the expansion was further evidence of the ongoing growth of the Wyndham region and the demand for medical services close to home.
“Our theatre lists are already busy with a number of specialisations being delivered, including ophthalmology, oral surgery, endoscopy, IVF, women’s health, plastic surgery and urology.”
Work on the expansion began last Friday, with Treasurer and Werribee MP Tim Pallas taking part in the sod-turning.
Mr Pallas said the expansion would address growing concerns among Wyndham residents about their ability to access mental health and addiction treatment services.
He said Werribee Mercy Hospital was under pressure, with a growing number of its cases the result of drug or alcohol issues.
“Mental health and addiction treatment issues are increasingly important challenges that affect the entire community,” Mr Pallas said. “Private investment in health services in Wyndham is crucial. They take stress away from public services and offer an alternative.
“Drug and alcohol problems have been responsible for a disturbing number of ambulance call-outs in recent years. Ice, in particular, is of enormous concern.”
