Families in Melbourne’s western suburbs are celebrating after the Victorian Government announced a desperately needed $110 million upgrade of the Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department (WMH ED).
The funding, announced in May in Victoria’s State Budget, comes five years after the WMH Stage 1 redevelopment, which included a state-of-the-art intensive care unit, new inpatient beds, new operating theatres and a 370-space multi-level carpark.
With the population of the Wyndham corridor projected to increase by 102 per cent by 2036, WMH will be the healthcare provider for almost half a million people.
Health Services Chief Executive Professor Jason Payne says the initiative is yet another important step in the overall expansion of WMH.
“It came after lots of careful planning and consultation by members of our senior team and the Victorian Health Building Authority, the Victorian Department of Health and state MPs,” Jason says.
“We are especially grateful for the roles played by the Minister for Health Martin Foley and also the Member for Werribee and State Treasurer Tim Pallas who has been a champion of the WMH upgrade.
“We also acknowledge the project will eventually require significant recruitment of trained ED nurses, emergency physicians and allied health staff.”
State Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly, former Mercy Health Group Chief Executive Officer Adj Prof Stephen Cornelissen, Health Minister Martin Foley, Mercy Health Chair Virginia Bourke and Interim Group Chief Executive Officer Matthew Posar
WMH Graduate Nurse of the Year 2022 Kayla Arnott says the announcement is a win for the communities who rely on WMH.
“It will give our patients renewed confidence but it is great news, too, for our hard-working staff who work in the ED,” Kayla says.
One of Kayla’s primary roles is to observe patients in the ED waiting room.
“As many as 30 or 40 people might be waiting for cubicles to become free and it is my responsibility to comfort them and watch out for any sign of deterioration,” she says.
“Some patients are acutely unwell, which brings on anxiety and many are vulnerable. Often the patient has an illness that they have never had before and they are frightened, which is understandable.”
WMH Graduate Nurse of the Year Kayla Arnott
WMH General Manager Maree Pane says the announcement is a reward for nurses like Kayla and her colleagues who displayed resilience and bravery, working tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
“It’s the reputation forged by young nurses like Kayla and her colleagues that will make the recruitment process a more efficient and smoother path,” Maree says.
The next step is a revision of a master plan which will be completed in coming months, providing a clear blueprint for the future.
“The investment is a positive outcome for all families who call Wyndham home,” Maree said.
Last reviewed July 19, 2022.