By Luke Voogt
Rapid renovations to mobilise the former Geelong Private Hospital in the fight against coronavirus are almost complete, state government has announced.
Over the past few weeks workers transformed the previously vacant building to provide a new acute respiratory assessment clinic with 50 new beds and consulting rooms.
The clinic has already treated at least 147 patients since opening late March with referrals coming from GPs, screening clinics and Geelong’s public emergency department, according to government.
The additional wards increased Barwon Health’s capacity and prepared the health provider for increased demand amid the pandemic, according to Geelong MP Christine Couzens.
“Our health system has risen to the challenge to bring additional beds online in just a few short weeks,” she said.
“The community can rest assured we are prepared for the challenges that might come our way.”
“Thank you to all our hardworking health professionals on the front line who are stepping up and caring for the Geelong community during this coronavirus pandemic.”
Screening and testing will continue at the drive-through service at Barwon Health North, which is testing up to 80 people a day with capacity to scale up if required, a government spokesperson said.
GPs will also continue to provide screening and testing, the spokesperson said.
The transformation of the former hospital is part of a $1.9 billion state government health fund to increase hospital beds by 700 across Victoria.
The investment had allowed hospitals statewide to recommission buildings previously used for healthcare, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said.
“We now have additional capacity available in our health system right across the state, so all Victorians will continue to receive lifesaving care during the coronavirus pandemic, no matter what their condition is.”
The investment also includes $107 million for equipment including 4000 high-flow oxygen therapy units for patients in acute respiratory failure, 130 dialysis machines and 1200 patient monitors.
The clinic at the former Geelong Private Hospital is now open to mild to moderately-unwell patients daily.
