Preparation works on the $20 million redevelopment of Alexandra District Hospital have begun.
Visiting the site today with the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, Health Minister Daniel Andrews turned a sod to mark the start of the project, which will deliver a major redevelopment of the local hospital and provide a new co-located ambulance station.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to give Victorians a better health system, by building new hospitals and hiring more doctors and nurses,” Mr Andrews said.
“This $20 million redevelopment will give local families access to a wider range of first-class health services, close to home. The new facility will offer medical care, emergency stabilisation, an operating suite, day-stay facilities, community health, and administration and support facilities.”
Mr Andrews said the redevelopment would provide 25 acute and six day-stay beds, combined with a new operating theatre and primary care area that allows for service expansion and administration.
“The new facility will house all services under one roof making it more user friendly for patients and staff,” he said.
“A new Alexandra Ambulance Station will be built and co-located on the site, which will ensure greater co-ordination of cases and a better work environment for local paramedics and community officers.”
Early works to prepare the construction site began in January with major construction expected to start in April.
Mr Hardman said the $20 million redevelopment would be welcomed by local families.
“This facility will give a vital boost to the community’s health services,” Mr Hardman said.
“The new Alexandra District Hospital will continue the tradition of providing the very best health services to local families. It will serve the community well now and into the future.”
The project will create about 80 construction jobs, and is due for completion by the middle of next year.
Mr Andrews also paid tribute to the hard work of hospital staff during the tragic February bushfires last year.
“The emergency department was swamped with patients needing assistance – nearly 70 people presented for treatment during that time – but the dedication and courage of the doctors, nurses and other health staff here enabled the hospital to cope under tremendous pressure,” he said.
“We know that the local community appreciated your efforts, and I would also like to thank you again on behalf of the Victorian Government for your commitment.”