By Laura Michell
The first step in the expansion of The Northern Hospital is complete following the opening of a new intensive care unit.
The cutting-edge unit paves the way for construction to begin on the main work of the hospital’s $162.7 million expansion.
The $22 million ICU, which will provide care for the hospital’s most critically ill patients, was opened by state Health Minister Jenny Mikakos late last month.
It features central monitoring, creating a safer environment and a more efficient workspace for doctors and nurses.
The hospital expansion work will include a seven-storey tower, complete with 96 new inpatient beds, three operating theatres and more treatment rooms.
Once complete, the project will allow the hospital to treat an extra 10,000 patients each year.
Pic Marco De Luca
Ms Mikakos said the expansion would create close to 500 jobs and is expected to be finished in 2021.
“Our hard-working doctors and nurses at Northern Health do an amazing job caring for people who need their help,” she said.
“We’re completing a once-in-a-generation redevelopment so they can do what they do best.”
Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said the expansion would ensure families living in the northern suburbs could access the best care when they needed it.
