More patients in Melbourne’s north will access care and surgery faster and closer to home thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s world-class expansion of the Northern Hospital in Epping, with early works kick starting today.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today joined Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny to celebrate the important milestone, kick starting early construction works on the project to meet soaring demand in Melbourne’s outer north.

The region is one of the nation’s fastest growing and once the $162.7 million project is complete, an additional 10,000 patients will be treated every year, with additional beds and operating theatres.

That means families in the booming outer northern suburbs will have access to safe quality healthcare in updated and modern facilities. The seven-storey tower will have 96 new inpatient beds, three operating theatres and more treatment rooms.

Extra space is also earmarked the future expansions of cardiology services, cath labs and medical imaging – giving the hospital more room to grow as the community grows into the future.

The early works will relocate the existing 18-bed intensive care unit on site, and deliver expanded back office accommodation and a new loading dock with other support services.

The project is also a big boost to the economy with 66 new construction jobs created as part of the early works project and 489 overall.

The Northern Hospital services more than 365,000 people, which is expected to soar past 550,000 by 2031. Construction is due to be completed in 2021.

Last year’s budget delivered $1.67 billion to support hospitals meet demand and provide the high quality care Victorian patients deserve, as well as $428.5 million in new hospital upgrades.

Northern Health received $426.7 million in funding from the Labor Government last year – $45.1 million or 11.8 per cent more than provided the previous financial year, and a whopping $106.6 million or 33.3 per cent more than the Liberals’ last budget.

Our investment is in stark contrast to Malcolm Turnbull’s dud hospital’s funding deal which would shortchange Victorians by $2.1 billion in five years. That would mean $83.5 million less for Northern Health, which is equivalent to 13,448 elective surgeries, 668 nurses or 280 doctors.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“Today we are breaking ground and getting on with building a bigger and better hospital for families in Melbourne’s outer north.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

“More and more new families are moving into the booming northern suburbs every day. We are expanding this hospital to meet future demand for world class healthcare.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio

“This project is vital for our community: it will boost our access to healthcare, create jobs and revitalise our local economy – it’s a win, win win!”

Quotes attributable to Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny

“The Andrews Labor Government’s investment to expand the Northern Hospital demonstrates our commitment to provide first class healthcare to residents in the north. I am sure the seven-story tower will become a landmark and will finally put the Northern Hospital on the map.”