The new $500 million Barwon Women’s and Children’s in Geelong is a step closer, with builder, Built, appointed to deliver the women’s health and paediatric facilities.
Victorian Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas says a first look at the early design reveals how the flagship project will integrate within the busy University Hospital Geelong precinct.
New contemporary and purpose-built spaces will increase the hospital’s capacity with additional multi-day beds, birthing suites, operating theatres and outpatient clinic rooms, she said.
”Being able to access world-class paediatric and maternity care closer to home is important for regional Victorians and this new facility will mean just that for families across Geelong and the Surf Coast,” said Ms Thomas.
The project will also deliver a new neonatal and parent care unit, with an expansion of the existing special care nursery that provides care for vulnerable and preterm babies in the first few weeks and months of life.
Locals have helped to shape the design of the new facility through the community consultative committee which includes community members and representatives from Barwon Health and Geelong Council.
The Government says the committee has ensured local views were considered in the planning and design of the new facility – including the patient and family experience, family and outdoor space and accessibility – through a series of workshops.
Work to relocate the Endoscopy and Day Procedure Unit from the Gretta Volum Centre to the Youang Surgery Centre is set to begin soon, clearing the way for main construction works later this year.
The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s is expected to be completed in 2029.
