Families in Melbourne’s south west will have access to the emergency care they need and deserve, following the State Government announcement of more than $100 million to upgrade the Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department (ED).
Mercy Health welcomes the investment, which will enable us to begin urgent work to double the capacity of our busy ED. The population of Wyndham is projected to increase by 102 per cent by 2036 and Werribee Mercy Hospital will soon be providing public health care for almost half a million people each year.
Mercy Health Group Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen says the announcement is both a recognition of the needs of the communities in the south west and also an important step towards an overall expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital.
“It is great news and we thank our local member for Werribee, Tim Pallas, who has been a constant champion of Werribee Mercy Hospital. We also thank the Minister for Health, Martin Foley and the Department of Health for working with us to identify and address some of the most urgent and significant challenges that we face as a public teaching hospital in a rapidly growing area,” Adj Prof Cornelissen said.
“We already have expansion plans drawn up and we are ready to commence as soon as possible.
“In on-going discussions with the Victorian Government, we have not only pointed to population growth but also emphasised the need for upgrades of our ageing infrastructure and the growing pressure on our emergency staff.
“The investment in our ED is much needed and a positive outcome for all families who call Wyndham home. This is just one of many commitments that will need to be made to allow us to continue effectively serving the health needs of this deserving community.
“The revision of our master plan which should be completed in the coming months will provide a clear blueprint for future and critical investment,” Adj Prof Cornelissen said.
Download full media release ( PDF, 44.4K )Last reviewed May 4, 2022.
