The Liberal National Government is investing $50 million so women and children in Geelong will soon have new and improved access to better hospital services.
Government funding will upgrade existing facilities at Barwon Health, and will support the construction of a purpose built comprehensive women’s and children’s facility that will be integrated into the existing Geelong University Hospital.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government’s commitment will better equip Geelong to meet current and future demands on its health and hospital care system.
“Geelong’s population is growing, and with it, the need for women’s and children’s hospital services,” Minister Hunt said.
The government’s investment will support two stages of development bringing essential health care for patients closer to home:
- Stage one — will upgrade existing facilities at Barwon Health to provide short term services and co-locate a number of ambulatory women’s and children’s services. These services include women’s and children’s clinics, lactation services, telehealth, immunisation, child and adolescent mental health, and Parentcraft.
- Stage two — will plan and start building a purpose built comprehensive women’s and children’s facility that will be integrated into the existing Geelong University Hospital. This new facility will accommodate acute and sub-acute women’s and children’s services.
Further benefits will include improved ability to respond to regional demand, staff will have more time to treat patients, and the patient and staff experience will be enhanced.
Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson welcomed the announcement and said the new women’s and children’s hospital service will mean safe, high quality care delivered in the right place at the right time.
“The Women’s and Children’s facility will complement a new paediatric emergency department in the Geelong University Hospital which is also being funded in the 2019 Federal Budget - one of four such departments which will share in $40 million of funding.”
The Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.