Barwon Women’s and Children’s hospital takes major step forward

CONSTRUCTION on the Barwon Women’s and Children’s is on track to begin later this year following today’s (Monday, February 26) appointment of a building company to undertake the project.

The new hospital is projected to cost more $500 million and will be built within the University Hospital precinct.

It aims to increase the University Hospital Geelong precinct’s capacity and improve patient flow with an integrated healthcare offering that is both family friendly and culturally safe.

Construction company Built has been selected to deliver the new hospital.

Built was first shortlisted for the project in September last year along with CPB Contractors, Kane Constructions and Watpac Constructions, and has been involved in the delivery of several projects in the Geelong region, including the Worksafe headquarters on Malop Street.

The Barwon Women’s and Children’s will include a new neonatal and parent care unit, allowing families to remain together, as well as specialist (outpatient) clinics and more operating theatres.

Purpose-built spaces for children, including overnight and same-day beds, have been included in the design to make medical care less intimidating for the hospital’s young patients.

The existing special care nursery that provides care for vulnerable and pre-term babies will also be expanded.

“Being able to access world-class paediatric and maternity care closer to home is important for regional Victorians,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“This new facility will mean just that for families across Geelong and the Surf Coast.”

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said the appointment of a builder for the project marked “exciting progress”.

“This new facility will be a major boost for women’s and children’s healthcare across Barwon,” he said.

Before construction on the new facilities begin, the site’s existing endoscopy and day procedure units from the freestanding Gretta Volum Centre will be relocated to the Youang Surgery Centre.

Geelong MP Chris Couzens said public consultation had helped to shape the design of the new facility.

“We have worked closely with the community and local organisations to make sure the design of this world-class facility best suits the needs of women and children right across Geelong.”

Construction on the Barwon Women’s and Children’s is expected to be completed in 2029.