Hospital revival brings vital boost to jobs, patient care

A $65 MILLION redevelopment of St John of God Geelong Hospital will “generate” 5000 admissions a year to reduce pressure on Geelong’s existing health services, according to the hospital’s chief.
Stephen Roberts said the project would “help address forecast shortfalls in patient services and accommodation in the region”.
“This redevelopment will provide a range of new facilities for St John of God Geelong, including a new emergency department, additional operating theatres, a rehabilitation centre, a hydrotherapy pool, 64 inpatient beds, a new chapel and pastoral care department, extensive on-site car parking and much more,” he said.
“More importantly however, this project will create at least 125 full-time clinical and non-clinical positions for Geelong, a major boost in employment for the region.”
Mr Roberts took Mayor Keith Fagg on a tour of the work site last week.
The project was scheduled for completion in April, 2014, Mr Roberts said.
“The redeveloped hospital would also “contribute to the revitalisation of our city and improve the streetscape of both Myers and Moorabool Sts.”
Up to 200 workers will be on-site at the peak of the project.
The hospital currently provides care to over 22,500 patients annually and employs over 650 staff.