Ballarat families in the Grampians region will continue to receive the best healthcare with a bigger and better emergency department now welcoming patients at the Ballarat Base Hospital.

Premier Daniel Andrews today announced the opening of the improved emergency department at Ballarat Base Hospital.

Funded through the Labor Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF), the $5 million investment has upgraded the hospital’s existing emergency area – alleviating pressure and reducing patient wait times while we get on with our massive $595 million expansion of the hospital.

The upgrade means more people will get the emergency care they need with a new 10-bed unit, consultation room, treatment room, medication room, staff station, two patient ensuites, modern offices, and staff amenities to ensure a seamless and comfortable environment for both patients and staff.

The upgrade has boosted ED capacity at Ballarat Base – ensuring patients get care in a world-class facility while also delivering a safer and more efficient working environment for staff.

This grant brings the total RHIF investment to $25.5 million at Grampians Health in Ballarat for projects including new theatre and central sterile supply department equipment, the relocation of the diagnostics services mobile x-ray units and ultrasound systems, and infrastructure upgrades.

The new upgraded ED was delivered to meet demand, while the hospital expansion takes place which includes a multi-level tower with a new emergency department, a women’s and children’s hub, a world-class theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.

Since establishing the RHIF in 2015, the Labor Government has funded more than 600 projects for regional health services – the largest investment ever dedicated to our rural and regional health services.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“This upgraded emergency department will ensure the Ballarat community continue to receive emergency care while we get on with delivering the $595 million expansion of Ballarat Base Hospital.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“This upgrade includes more treatment spaces so more people across our region can get the world-class emergency care they deserve.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Our latest investment at Ballarat Base Hospital delivers 10 new beds and improved treatment and consultation rooms for our ED, further enhancing the provision of emergency care in our community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“We’ve upgraded the Ballarat Base Hospital emergency department, so our wonderful health-care workers are supported to give patients the care they need, when they need it most.”