Families in Melbourne’s north will soon have a new place to turn for everyday healthcare, with the Mernda Community Hospital preparing to open its doors on Monday. The Allan Labor Government confirmed the opening during a visit from Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage, who toured the new site ahead of patients arriving.
The hospital, operated by Northern Health, will open gradually so staff and patients can settle into the new setting safely. From the first day, locals will be able to access pharmacy services, public dental care, pathology, allied health appointments, paediatric clinics, and respiratory and allergy services. More services will follow in the new year, including renal care and community mental health support, and later urgent care, imaging and additional pathology capacity.
The aim is to make regular healthcare easier to reach for a community that has long relied on services further afield. Strong links across specialist clinics, community health providers and social support services are built into the model so that patients needing more complex care can be guided smoothly through the system.
The opening comes at a crucial time for the fast-growing northern corridor. Along with the recently opened Craigieburn Community Hospital, the Mernda facility will ease pressure on the Northern Hospital in Epping. The region is already home to more than one million people and is expected to grow sharply by 2036.
The Mernda project forms part of the Government’s 800 million dollar community hospital program, and about 185 jobs were created or sustained at the height of construction. The new site sits at 35 Flourmill Drive and will operate from 8am to 5pm on weekdays.
Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said, “The Mernda Community Hospital will help take pressure off the Northern Hospital helping more Victorians get the care they need, sooner.”
Lauren Kathage called it “a game changer for our community providing local families with more health services, closer to home.”
Bronwyn Halfpenny said, “Our community has been so excited for this project to open it’s fantastic to see it come to life.”
Lily D’Ambrosio added, “For local families, the new Mernda Community Hospital will make a massive difference it will mean more world-class care right on our doorstep.”
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