Media Release: GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW ROYAL WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

DATE: Monday, October 6, 2003

GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW ROYAL WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

Construction of the new Royal Women’s Hospital has been given the green light, with the redevelopment to begin almost immediately, the Premier, Steve Bracks, said today.

Mr Bracks said the new hospital would be one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading women’s hospitals, and was further proof of the State Government’s commitment to the health of Victorian women and their babies.

“The new Royal Women’s will continue to improve our capacity to deliver accessible, effective and high quality services to Victorian women,” Mr Bracks said.

The new hospital will be built on the Royal Melbourne Hospital site in an area bordered by Grattan Street and Flemington Road.

The $40 million first stage will see two buildings constructed at the Royal Melbourne to enable staff to move from the new Royal Women’s Hospital site.

“This is the most significant health infrastructure project since the Government gave the go ahead to the Austin Repatriation Medical Centre/Mercy for Women Hospital development,” Mr Bracks said.

“The State Government, the Women’s and Children’s Health Service and Melbourne Health will jointly undertake the project to redevelop the hospital. In addition, a new 980 space underground carpark will be built by the private sector.

“The Government is contributing $190 million, with additional funds, estimated at around $60 million, coming from the sale of the former hospital site and a car park.

“We expect the new hospital to be completed by the end of 2007.”

Mr Bracks said the new hospital would maintain the high standing of the Royal Women’s Hospital as one of Victoria’s major teaching hospitals, providing tertiary obstetric and gynaecology services, reproductive services, sexual health services and cancer services.

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the new Royal Women’s would retain its iconic status for thousands of Victorian women.

“Despite being located on the same site, the two hospitals – the Royal Women’s and the Royal Melbourne - will retain their independence. This will be underscored by the new building itself, which will be architecturally distinct from the existing hospital,” Ms Pike said.

“We are committed to maintaining and improving the comfort, privacy and infant care available to patients in the new Royal Women’s.
“The recent introduction of the hospital’s new maternity model of team care, combined with the construction of modern, family-friendly birthing rooms means all women will have a greater range of childbirth choices than is now possible.

“Each of the birthing rooms will have its own bathroom and will be built to retain a more homelike environment, while at the same time maximising patient safety.

“The hospital’s ability to offer excellent care for premature and sick newborn babies will be improved with capacity for additional neonatal intensive care cots.”

Mr Bracks said the hospital was a Partnerships Victoria project.

“We are building a public hospital for Victorians using the skills and abilities of the private sector. The private sector will be responsible for designing and building the hospital and maintaining it for the next 25 years, much the same as the County Court project.

“This means the private sector will be responsible for building maintenance, including air conditioning, lifts and landscaping.

“However, in line with Government policy, the hospital will remain a public hospital, with all clinical services continuing to be the responsibility of the Government.”