Werribee Mercy Hospital and Cranbourne Community Hospital are set to receive major upgrades under the Victorian Budget 2026/27, as the state expands hospital capacity and services across growing suburbs and regional communities.
The Budget allocates $95 million to open the upgraded emergency department at Werribee Mercy Hospital later this year, doubling its capacity to 67 treatment spaces. The expansion includes six dedicated areas for mental health, alcohol and other drug-related care, alongside separate paediatric and short stay zones. Once fully operational, the hospital is expected to treat an additional 25,000 patients each year.
At Cranbourne Community Hospital, an Urgent Care Centre will open later this year, providing an alternative to the nearby Casey Hospital emergency department. Six new dialysis chairs will also be introduced, allowing patients to access treatment closer to home.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the investments were aimed at improving access in fast growing areas. “From Cranbourne to Werribee to Geelong, we are delivering better care for families in fast growing communities.”
The wider package includes $44.8 million to open the redeveloped Angliss Hospital, which will feature four operating theatres, outpatient services and an additional 32 beds. The government says the expansion will reduce pressure on hospitals across Melbourne’s east.
Community hospital services are also being expanded across the state. An Urgent Care Centre will open at Craigieburn Community Hospital, where services already include dialysis, public dental care and antenatal support. Pakenham Community Hospital is scheduled to open in early 2027, offering allied health, pathology, dental and urgent care services, while the Budget also supports services at Mernda Community Hospital.
An Urgent Care Centre will open at Craigieburn Community Hospital, where services already include dialysis, public dental care and antenatal support. Pakenham Community Hospital is scheduled to open in early 2027, offering allied health, pathology, dental and urgent care services, while the Budget also supports services at Mernda Community Hospital
Health Minister Harriet Shing said the focus was on expanding access. “Labor is opening and expanding services where they’re needed most, in our growing suburbs and regions.”
Regional projects form part of the investment, including $20.3 million to expand the paediatric emergency department at University Hospital Geelong, improving access for families in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
At Shepparton Hospital, $7.1 million will fund the operation of a new PET scanner, improving access to advanced diagnostics and reducing the need for patients to travel to Melbourne for care.
Health Infrastructure Minister Melissa Horne said the investments would strengthen services across the state. “Our health infrastructure investments are improving care for more Victorians right across the state.”
The Budget also includes $2 million for early planning and operational readiness at the new Melton Hospital, where construction has already begun. The hospital is expected to treat around 130,000 patients each year and serve communities including Caroline Springs, Gisborne, Rockbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh.
Premier Allan said the government’s approach focused on strengthening public healthcare. “Labor is investing in great local public hospitals – do the Liberals support it, or will they cut it?”
Minister Shing added, “Where the Liberals cut and close, these new and upgraded services will give more Victorians the care they need, closer to home.”
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