Massive Ballarat Base Hospital Upgrade Moves Closer To Completion

The Allan Labor Government says the major redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital is another step closer to delivering faster, better healthcare for families across western Victoria.

The Government's $655 million investment in the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment will expand services and boost capacity for patients throughout the region.

The Minister for Health Infrastructure today visited the site to celebrate completion of the new hospital tower's structure, marking a major milestone in the project.

Construction will now move into the next stage, including installation of the rooftop helipad, more than 1,100 façade panels and the internal fit-out to prepare the tower for patients.

When complete, the multi-level hospital tower will feature:

• a new main entrance from Sturt Street
• a new emergency department
• 100 additional inpatient and short-stay beds
• a state-of-the-art theatre suite
• a rooftop helipad
• an expanded women's and children's hub.

The redevelopment will allow the hospital to treat an extra 18,000 emergency patients and 14,500 inpatients each year, helping reduce pressure on local health services.

The project is also expected to create up to 1,000 jobs.

Key elements already delivered as part of the redevelopment include a new Central Energy Plant and Support Services building, as well as an expanded multi-deck car park providing 400 additional spaces.

Standing 44 metres tall, the tower has been constructed using 360 tonnes of steel and built by thousands of local workers.

The new Ballarat Base Hospital tower is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Grampians Health and Built.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne

"The new Ballarat Base Hospital will deliver faster care for locals and help get paramedics back on the road sooner."

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

"We are improving access and delivering better healthcare at Ballarat Base Hospital through our record investment in this redevelopment."

Quotes attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

"This redevelopment is bringing world-class healthcare closer to home, ensuring local families can access the care they need faster and closer to where they live."

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

"The expanded women's and children's hub will make a real difference for families across the region by delivering more care closer to home."