Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas last week unveiled designs for the new $20 million children’s emergency department at University Hospital Geelong.
The new children’s emergency department will include 28 additional dedicated treatment spaces including two fast-track and eight short-stay beds – with new treatment rooms and support spaces and a separate pediatric triage system and waiting area.
The designs, unveiled on Saturday February 4, reveal a child-friendly environment with considered calming, soft tones and decor to help minimise anxiety in younger patients.
“This multi-million-dollar project will provide kids in Geelong with faster access to the care and treatment they need and a safer and more suitable work environment for the region’s amazing health care workers,” Minister Thomas said.
“We’re making sure kids in Geelong and the Barwon region get the quick, dedicated care they need so that they feel better sooner and in a safe, calm and comforting environment.”
The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Barwon Health.
Construction is expected to get underway this month and be finished in July 2024 next year – sustaining and creating around 60 jobs during construction.
Barwon Health Emergency Department director Dr Belinda Hibble said she was “excited to have a dedicated space to provide emergency care to children and young people in our community”.
“This will allow young patients and their families to experience their care in a calm space that is designed for them,” she said.
“The new facility will include a children’s short stay unit, which will benefit children needing care for less than 24 hours of hospital care.
“Staff are looking forward to working in a modern environment designed in consultation with staff.”
The state government investment builds on more than $500 million from the Victorian Budget 2022/23 for the flagship Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital will integrate with existing University Hospital Geelong services and will deliver additional capacity to meet increasing demand in the region. The new facilities include more birthing suites, extra maternity inpatient beds, more pediatric inpatient beds, and extra special care nursery cots.
