The multi-million dollar Phillip Island Community Hospital is gaining pace, with early works nearing completion.
“The new community hospital will open in late 2024 and will expand the existing Phillip Island Health Hub to meet demand for more medical services as the Island community grows,” Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said.
“The double-storey hospital will be at 50-58 Church Street and include a larger Urgent Care Centre for minor, non-emergency medical issues.
There will also be day surgery across two operating theatres, providing colonoscopy, gastroscopy, ophthalmology, dermatology and other non-complex surgery.
“The community will also have access to dialysis, chemotherapy and a public dental service. A radiology precinct will offer CT scans, ultrasound and general x-ray, and there will be a non-retail pharmacy.”
The early works are being undertaken by Bass Coast firm TS Constructions and entail site mobilisation and establishment, and demolition of buildings on the site.
These works are 90 per cent complete and were delayed slightly due to electrical abolishment, after the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) left the site.
Bulk excavation and piling started in February. Tender applications for the main works closed in the middle of February and main works may start in early April.
The greater range of services to be offered by Phillip Island Community Hospital will help take pressure off Wonthaggi Hospital, allowing staff there to focus on critical care and acute health issues, emergency care and more complex surgeries and procedures.
Currently, Phillip Island residents must travel long distances to access the level of healthcare that will be offered at the Community Hospital.
The new hospital will also include a new main reception area and a Central Sterile Supply Department will be established to service the theatres and dental unit.
The community hospital is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority and will be operated by Bass Coast Health.
