The Allan Labor Government is boosting access to world-class care for families across Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast – with the new, state-of-the-art children’s emergency department at University Hospital complete.

Located at one of Victoria’s busiest hospitals, the new $20 million facility will help the hardworking doctors and nurses deliver more specialised paediatric emergency care to the region’s growing population.

Hospitals can often be a daunting place for children and the new emergency department has been specifically designed to provide a dedicated, calming space for families – with the capacity to meet growing demand. 

The new emergency department includes 28 dedicated treatment spaces with two fast-track and eight short-stay beds – including new treatment rooms, support spaces and a separate pediatric triage system and waiting area.

The project’s final stage saw new clinical areas completed and the delivery of a reconstructed main drop off point for the emergency department.

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Barwon Health and builder Kane Constructions, the project created around 60 jobs at the peak of construction.

The now completed project is part of the Labor Government’s investment to deliver specially designed children’s emergency areas in some of the state’s busiest hospitals and builds on the more than $500 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 for the flagship Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital. 

The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s will be integrated into the existing University Hospital providing world-class women’s health, including maternity and paediatric facilities to meet increasing demand in the Barwon southwest region. The new facilities will provide more birthing suites, extra maternity inpatient beds, more paediatric inpatient beds and additional special care nursery cots.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas

“This is a critical project for children and families across Geelong – it will help to meet growing demand in the region, while ensuring care is delivered in a friendly environment for kids.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“This dedicated children’s emergency department ensures the kids in our region get the care they need, when they need it.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“Our hardworking doctors and nurses at University Hospital Geelong have one of the state’s busiest emergency departments – that’s why we’ve making it bigger and better for Geelong kids now and into the future.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George 

“This new children’s emergency department in Geelong will ensure our growing Barwon community has access to the world class healthcare facilities they deserve close to home.”