Victoria’s new $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital will open its emergency department to patients at 8:00am on 18 February, with the first transfers from the old site beginning earlier in the morning.
Premier Jacinta Allan toured the new emergency department ahead of its opening, describing it as a key step in expanding services for Melbourne’s west. “We’re making life easier for families in Melbourne’s west with the new Footscray Hospital—just like we promised,” she said.
The existing Footscray Hospital houses one of the state’s busiest emergency departments. The new facility is designed to treat an additional 20,000 patients each year and includes more resuscitation bays, fast-track bays, and acute and short stay beds.
A high-tech satellite radiology hub within the emergency department includes a CT scanner, ultrasound and X-ray suite. The hospital says this will allow patients to receive imaging and treatment more quickly. The emergency department alone contains 5,000 pieces of equipment.
The new department also features a dedicated mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said the addition would improve access to specialist support. “The ED’s mental health and AOD hub will mean the right care for patients who need it most.”
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the expanded capacity would ease pressure on frontline services. “The new Footscray Hospital ED will deliver faster care for locals and help get ambos back on the road sooner.”
The opening follows months of preparation by Western Health. More than 4,500 staff have completed training to operate the new hospital’s systems and technologies. A full-scale mock move was conducted last year to test procedures ahead of the transition.
The first patient is scheduled to leave the old hospital at 7:30am, with transfers expected to continue throughout the day. Up to 180 patients will be moved, with staff coordinating to ensure care continues without interruption. The relocation is expected to be complete by 6:00pm.
Local members welcomed the opening. Member for Footscray Katie Hall said: “This is a huge day for our community.” Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly added: “The countdown is almost over—Labor’s new Footscray Hospital is about to open its doors.”
Premier Allan said the project formed part of the government’s broader hospital program. “We have built 11 new hospitals because Labor always invests in a strong public health system.”
The new hospital will progressively bring additional services online as the transition from the old site continues.
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