The Allan Labor Government is delivering a bigger and better emergency department for Melbourne’s booming outer west, with designs unveiled for the expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital.

Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today released the designs for the project which will double the emergency departments capacity and support an additional 25,000 Victorians every year.

The expansion will increase bed capacity and establish dedicated spaces for patient treatment, easing pressure on the ED staff.

Improved staff facilities will also ensure our hardworking nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers have a modern, world-class workplace designed to ensure they can deliver the best possible emergency care.

The expansion will more than double the spaces for patient treatment from 33 to 67 – creating four resuscitation bays, 16 short stay beds, 36 emergency care cubicles and a behavioural assessment room.

Site works have commenced with construction on track to start in mid-2024 and the expansion expected to be complete in 2026.

The project is being delivered as part of a $236 million investment to boost capacity of the emergency departments at Werribee Mercy Hospital and Casey Hospital Berwick.

This project is in addition to the Labor Government’s more than $120 million expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital which was completed in 2018 and delivered new inpatient beds, new critical care beds, new operating theatres and 54 extra mental health beds.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas

“We’re delivering on our promise to double the capacity and deliver a state-of-the-art emergency department at the Werribee Mercy Hospital – so more locals can get the care they need, close to home.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“This bigger ED will ensure people in the west have ready access to world-class facilities when a loved one gets sick or when an emergency strikes.”

Quote attributable to Member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari

“Doubling the emergency departments capacity will help our hardworking doctors and nurses treat more people and do what they do best – save lives and keep people healthy.”