Is there a need for a new hospital?
Yes. The current Footscray Hospital was built in the 1950s. Meanwhile, the population of Melbourne’s west continues to change and grow, and this requires an expanded and updated Footscray Hospital that can adequately serve the healthcare needs of our communities as we plan for the future.
Where will the new Footscray Hospital be located?
The new 504-bed Footscray Hospital will be located just a short walk away from the existing Gordon Street site, on lands currently reserved for car parking for the Victoria University Footscray Park campus on the corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads. This location will place the new hospital closer to public transport hubs in the centre of Footscray.
When will construction of the new Footscray Hospital start and finish?
Planning and procurement for the new hospital is already underway, with construction due to begin next year in tandem with a detailed design phase ahead of a planned completion date of 2025.
Who is delivering the project?
The new Footscray Hospital is being delivered by the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority (VHHSBA), in partnership with Western Health. Follow the link for more information on this development on the VHHSBA website- https://www.vhhsba.vic.gov.au/health-infrastructure/new-footscray-hospital.
How does a public private partnership (PPP) work?
The new hospital will be delivered as a public private partnership, which involves bringing together a private consortium to design, construct, finance and maintain the new facility over a period of 25 years. Clinical services in the new facility will continue to be delivered by Western Health, with mental health services also still delivered by Orygen Youth Health and Mercy Health as is currently the case at Footscray Hospital.
Has there been any consultation with staff, volunteers and the local community?
Yes. Detailed staff and volunteer-specific engagement has been occurring across Western Health over recent months to capture a range of feedback on the new Footscray Hospital.
In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services together with Western Health have held a series of Community Information Sessions to gather feedback from as broad a sample of the community as possible.
A Community Consultative Committee including representatives from a cross-section of areas such as members of the public, representatives from Western Health, local council and healthcare providers and key community leaders has also been established, and has already commenced holding regular meetings.
Images and graphics courtesy of the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority.
