The half-a-billion-dollar redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital is another step closer, with a builder now appointed to deliver the final works of the major project.

Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that Built has been appointed to deliver the last stage of the $595 million redevelopment, including a new multi-level tower and helipad.

The new helipad will make it easier for the Air Ambulance to transfer patients facing critical emergencies to the emergency department on the new tower’s ground floor, as well as urgent transfers to major trauma hospitals in Melbourne – making it a faster route than road ambulance when required.

In addition to the new emergency department, the multi-level tower will feature a women’s and children’s hub, a state of the art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds – in what will be a major boost in capacity for the region.

The final stage of redevelopment will also feature a redesigned main entrance on Sturt Street, with better facilities and more greenery to improve the streetscape and enhance access for patients, families and emergency vehicles.

This will include the delivery of more short-term emergency drop-off parking and safe drop-off zones – reducing congestion and making it easier for the local community to travel in the area.

Works are still continuing on stage two of the redevelopment, with construction of the new energy plant and support services building nearing the halfway mark.

Works to expand the multi-level car park are also underway ahead of the redevelopment’s second tower crane arriving on site.

Construction of the new tower is expected to start later this year and be completed in 2027, with the new Ballarat Base Hospital set to have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients per year.

More information is available at vhba.vic.gov.au/health/regional-facilities/ballarat-base-hospital-redevelopment.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas

“In emergency situations, time and access are critical – we are delivering this new tower and helipad to ensure patients in Ballarat and across the Grampians region can receive critical care sooner.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The final stage of the redevelopment is a boon for the Ballarat community – creating local construction jobs and bringing us another step closer to a bigger and better hospital.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“Communities in and around Ballarat can now look forward to world-class healthcare right on their doorstep with the project’s completion now in sight.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“With many small towns across the region, the redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital means that emergency care – particularly Melbourne’s major trauma hospitals – will be quicker and easier to access.”