Emergency ward major upgrade

A MULTI-MILLION dollar redevelopment of Dandenong Hospital’s emergency department kicked off on Tuesday.
The $25 million state-of-the art facility would provide first class services to thousands of patients every year, according to Health Minister Daniel Andrews who turned the first sod at the site.
The new and expanded facility will have room to treat 55 patients, up from the current 35.
“More than 47,600 patients attended the Dandenong Hospital’s emergency department last year, making it one of the busiest in the state,” Mr Andrews said. “It will provide separate facilities for adults and children seeking treatment and it will improve the overall amenity for patients with more single rooms, making hospital visits more comfortable for everyone.” The redevelopment is expected to create almost 150 jobs at the peak of construction.
The upgrades are part of a staged $153 million redevelopment of the hospital funded by the State Government. Work on the emergency department follows a $20.5 million construction of a new west wing in 2002 and a new four-storey south-west ward block in 2006 which provided 106 beds.
The government has also committed $69 million for the development of 150 mental health beds at the hospital and up to $4.3 million for infrastructure works to upgrade the hospital’s energy supply, Narre Waren North MP Luke Donnellan said.