New hospital location announced

Darren Cheeseman shows the preferred location of a new hospital to be built in Torquay. (Supplied)

A paddock at 110 South Beach Road will be state government’s preferred site for a new multi-million-dollar Torquay hospital, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman has announced.

The new Torquay Community Hospital – operated by Barwon Health – will provide a range of integrated community health and specialist services.

“The preferred location will ensure the new Torquay Community Hospital provides easy access for patients, visitors and staff, and is close to community facilities,” Mr Cheeseman said today.

“Torquay locals have been calling for better access to healthcare and we’re getting on with delivering this new hospital so they can receive world-class care, closer to home.”

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, construction of the new facility is expected to start in 2022 and be completed by 2024.

The new hospital will take pressure off nearby health centres, including University Hospital Geelong, according to Mr Cheeseman.

He said this would free-up these hospitals to focus more on critical care, acute health, emergencies and more complex surgeries and procedures.

Strong links to specialists, community health providers and social support services would improve follow-up treatment and support for those requiring complex care, he added.

The preferred location will provide easy access to the Surf Coast Highway and community services including local council offices, schools and childcare facilities, according to state government.

State government authorities are still in the process of acquiring the commercially-owned land for the “important facility”.

The hospital is part of a $675 million state government investment to deliver 10 community hospitals in major growth areas across Victoria.

“We’re getting on with delivering the largest pipeline of health projects in Victoria’s history, so Victorians can access the care and services they need, when they need them,” Health Minister Martin Foley said.