Bigger ED for Werribee Mercy Hospital

The Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department capacity is set to be doubled, following a funding boost from the Victorian Budget 2022/23.

The $236 million investment, which will also double capacity at the Casey Hospital in Berwick, will deliver four extra resuscitation spaces at Werribee Mercy hospital, as well as eight fast-track bays, seven consultation rooms, 28 immediate care cubicles, a Behavioural Assessment Room and 16 short stay beds. The expansion will support an additional 25,000 presentations a year at Werribee.

Casey Hospital’s emergency department expansion will include a dedicated paediatric space for children and their families, and support an additional 52,000 presentations annually.

The expansions will help ease pressure on the existing emergency departments for the hospital’s dedicated doctors, nurses, orderlies and other hospital staff.

Both of these expansions will also help hardworking paramedics get back on the road quicker — reducing ambulance response times by offering more spaces for patients to be cared for.

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), both projects are on track to start early works next year and be completed in 2026, and are expected to create and sustain more than 1000 jobs during peak construction — providing a major boost to the local economy.

Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley said, “By doubling capacity at the emergency department at Casey and Werribee Mercy hospitals, we’re helping healthcare staff treat more people, save lives and keep people healthy.

“These expansions are going to help take pressure off nearby emergency departments and make it easier for ambulances to get back on the road.”

Image source: Mercy Health