Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (09:55): This month I was thrilled to join some of my western suburbs colleagues at the new Footscray Hospital. I was joined by the member for Footscray Katie Hall, the member for Williamstown Mel Horne and the member for Laverton Sarah Connolly at the new Footscray Hospital to celebrate six months of Labor delivering a bigger and better Footscray Hospital. Since we opened the doors in February the incredible healthcare workforce at the Footscray Hospital have supported thousands of Victorians. They have already cared for around 19,000 admitted patients, supported around 23,000 emergency department presentations, performed more than 5000 surgeries, delivered close to 50,000 specialist outpatient clinical appointments and served almost 100,000 patient meals. Importantly, the new ED also has a mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub, meaning patients are fast-tracked to an area with specialist dedicated care so they get the right support sooner. The new hospital has also welcomed a team of approximately 120 volunteers collectively speaking more than 30 languages, reflecting the diverse Footscray and western suburbs communities. The Carroll Labor government is proud to invest in our public health system and bring more care closer to home for families in the west.