Site preparation works are underway and designs were revealed last week for a new Whittlesea Community Hospital in Mernda.
The hospital, located on Plenty Road in Mernda, has been funded through the State Government’s $675 million Community Hospitals Program and is one of 10 community hospitals being built across Victoria in the state’s fastest growing communities.
Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the plans in Mernda on Thursday and said the new hospital would provide greater options for City of Whittlesea families.
“We’re making sure families in the northern suburbs get the care they need when they need – and taking pressure off emergency departments at major hospitals at the same time,” he said.
“Bumps and bruises are part of everyday life, and these community hospitals will make it easier for Victorian families to get the care they need closer to home.”
To be operated by Northern Health, the Whittlesea Community Hospital will provide a range of community health and specialist services free of charge, including after-hours care for non-emergency medical issues.
The designs revealed last week presented the facility’s exterior, main reception and waiting area, which were designed to create safe and comfortable environments for staff, patients and families.
Incorporated in the designs were accessibility features, with a connection to nature also considered through the inclusion of Indigenous artwork and plants.
The new services are expected to take pressure off nearby major hospitals and allow them to focus on critical care, acute health issues, emergency care and more complex surgeries and procedures.
Whittlesea Community Hospital was also designed with the help of community members, Northern Health and the City of Whittlesea council through the project’s community consultative committee.
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green said it was important to consider the community’s needs to design an appropriate facility for the City of Whittlesea.
“I’m very pleased to see that the designs reflect the community’s priorities, and I want to thank our community consultative committee for their valuable input and feedback,” she said.
The hospital is expected to be completed in 2024.
