The doors to one of Victoria’s largest health infrastructure projects are set to open this Tuesday, with the $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston Hospital declared ready for patients.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas officially marked the completion of the project as staff begin moving into the new 12-storey tower, which will operate as the Peninsula University Hospital.
The expanded hospital is expected to lift capacity across the growing Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region, with the ability over time to treat 35,000 more patients each year. It brings together new and expanded services spanning mental health, oncology, and women’s and children’s care, alongside 15 new operating theatres and, once fully operational, 130 additional beds.
A centrepiece of the redevelopment is a rebuilt emergency department designed to support one of the busiest in the state, where up to 75,000 patients present each year. The new department includes more treatment spaces, a redesigned triage area, dedicated assessment zones, and a rooftop helipad to allow the safe transfer of critically ill patients.
Premier Allan said the project delivered on long-standing commitments made to the local community. “We promised Frankston a bigger and better hospital. That’s what we’ve delivered, and more,” she said. “Here’s what we believe: wherever you live in Victoria, you deserve the best standards of healthcare for you and your family. Frankston’s new hospital is proof.”
The emergency department also features a dedicated mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub, designed as a calm, purpose-built space for people experiencing urgent mental health or AOD concerns. The model, already in place at several major Victorian hospitals, is intended to ease pressure on emergency resources while improving safety and care.
Staffed by specialist mental health and AOD clinicians, the hub will provide integrated assessment, treatment and post-discharge support, with a focus on reducing trauma, distress and stigma often associated with conventional emergency settings.
The emergency department also features a dedicated mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub, designed as a calm, purpose-built space for people experiencing urgent mental health or AOD concerns
Alongside this, a dedicated paediatric zone will offer specialist emergency care for children in a family-friendly environment adjacent to the main department. With its own waiting and triage areas, play spaces and an outdoor courtyard, the zone will be staffed by dedicated paediatric emergency nurses and staff.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the new facilities would directly support frontline workers caring for a fast-growing population. “Our dedicated doctors, nurses and frontline staff at the new Peninsula University Hospital now have the world-class facilities to care for families in this growing area of Melbourne,” she said.
The expansion is also expected to improve patient flow and ambulance response times. Since the introduction of the Labor Government’s Standards for Safe and Timely Ambulance and Emergency Care in February 2025, Frankston has led the state, handing over more than 95 per cent of ambulance patients within the 40-minute target.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne said the scale of the redevelopment reflected rising demand in the region. “Once fully operational, this supports more than 35,000 extra patients every year,” she said.
Local MPs pointed to the long-term impact on families across the south east. Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke described the opening as a milestone moment. “What a huge moment for our community – we have delivered them the hospital we promised, and it will support locals for years to come. We have one of the world’s best hospitals right here in our backyard,” he said.
Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny highlighted the benefits for children and parents, saying, “This means so much for local families, with a dedicated paediatric zone in the emergency department and expanded children’s services.”
Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio said the hospital would serve people throughout their lives. “This hospital will support so many people across the community, at every stage of their lives,” he said.
For neighbouring areas, the flow-on effects are also expected to be felt. Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards said, “This will take pressure off local health services across the south east.”
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
