Tuesday, 20 September 2022

 Mr FOWLES (Burwood) (13:01): On Sunday I had the honour of standing with the Premier as we announced that a re-elected Andrews Labor government will redevelop and expand the Maroondah Hospital at Ringwood. This investment of between $850 million and $1.05 billion will deliver a new emergency department, operating theatres, day procedure facilities and specialist care spaces. It will also feature an expanded medical imaging unit and two six-storey inpatient towers, housing more than 200 extra beds. As a local, I know that this investment will mean so much to our community. The new ED will have an extra 14 treatment spaces so that more patients can be seen faster. But it is not just about capacity. The new ED will deliver more modern and comfortable spaces for patients and staff. As a father of four, I know that a trip to the ED can be scary for kids and stressful for their families, and that is why the new ED will have dedicated waiting and treatment areas for families. There will also be a new mental health hub to provide dedicated support and treatment to people experiencing psychological distress, with quieter, more secluded spaces. Construction on the new hospital is expected to start in 2025, and around 2500 jobs will be created during construction alone.