The Allan Labor Government is advancing its commitment to world-class healthcare for families in Melbourne’s west, with the vital expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department now reaching structural completion.
The expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department has achieved a critical milestone with the completion of major structural works, marking significant progress in a project that will transform healthcare capacity for Melbourne’s rapidly growing outer west.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne and Member for Werribee John Lister recently the construction site to celebrate the massive project milestone – that, once complete, will see the capacity of the existing emergency department doubled.
The ambitious expansion will more than double the emergency department’s capacity, increasing patient treatment spaces from 33 to 67 and enabling the facility to treat an additional 25,000 patients annually once completed in 2026.
“Werribee is one of the fastest growing regions in Melbourne, so the expansion of the ED is significant for our community – it’s fantastic to see the project coming to life,” said John Lister, Member for Werribee.
The project now enters its next critical phase, focusing on interior fit-out of the newly constructed space.
Construction activity will continue on the external facade, including the installation of pre-cast panels featuring Indigenous artwork that will enhance the hospital’s visual appeal while honoring local cultural heritage.
The enhanced emergency department will feature four new resuscitation bays, 16 short stay beds, 36 emergency care cubicles, and a specialized behavioral assessment room.
These additions are designed to significantly reduce patient wait times while providing healthcare professionals with a modern workplace to deliver improved emergency care.
“The expansion of the ED at Werribee Mercy Hospital will mean our dedicated health doctors and nurses can treat an additional 25,000 patients every single year – this will make a massive difference for the local community,” said Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health.
The expansion forms part of a comprehensive $280 million package aimed at increasing emergency department capacity at both Werribee Mercy Hospital and Casey Hospital Berwick, two facilities serving Melbourne’s fastest-growing residential areas.
Latest development builds upon previous successful expansions at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
The expansion, valued at over $120 million, delivered substantial improvements including new inpatient beds, critical care facilities, additional operating theatres, and 54 mental health beds, already benefiting residents across West Melbourne.
“As Melbourne’s outer west continues to grow we’re investing in important health infrastructure projects, like the ED in Werribee, so our hospitals can continue providing the very best care to locals, closer to home,” stated Melissa Horne, Minister for Health Infrastructure.
The project represents a collaborative effort between the Victorian Health Building Authority, Mercy Health, Lyons Architecture, and builder Besix Watpac.
Beyond its healthcare benefits, the expansion has generated significant economic impact, providing over 400 construction jobs throughout the building phase.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Mercy Health, Lyons Architecture and builder Besix Watpac, the project is on track to be completed in 2026 and has supported more than 400 construction jobs
