We have fast-tracked construction at Monash Medical Centre, delivering a new adult emergency space sooner than originally planned.
Monash Medical Centre’s fully redeveloped emergency department opened to patients on Wednesday the 22 December, several months ahead of the original planned opening in 2022.
To provide an improved environment for patients, visitors, and employees sooner than originally planned, construction timelines were fast-tracked with a focus on ensuring clinical spaces are ready as soon as possible.
A new emergency model of care has been finalised, with consultation now complete around a team-based model. This provides the safest and most appropriate configuration to respond to an anticipated COVID peak in early 2022. As recruitment progresses, we will progressively expand our nursing cubicle capacity at the site. More information about the updated model of care will be available very soon.
The Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley MP visited the new space to discuss its advantages with clinical leaders.
To view media coverage of the Minister’s visit, click here.
This new space allows us to boost capacity within the emergency department in line with ongoing recruitment activities, and will allow the full separation of adult and paediatric emergency services.
Once fully operational, the project will deliver additional emergency department capacity, with mental health capacity to also be boosted in early 2022. Upon completion of the overall project, Monash Medical Centre will also have a completely new main front entry to the hospital, with improved drop-off zones for vehicles and better pedestrian access.
The new adult emergency spaces feature improved natural light and a more spacious layout.
Recruitment is underway for a number of nursing and support roles, and for roles that will allow us to also open the mental health, alcohol, and other drugs hub when appropriate. For more information about roles in these specialised areas, please visit erecruit.
I want to thank the teams who have worked so hard during this challenging period of construction.
The emergency teams have consolidated their services into the new ‘northern’ section while also facing the significant challenges of providing critical care during a pandemic. Our Capital Project team and construction partners have also had to adapt and adjust their timelines often, while ensuring clinical care remained the priority. I appreciate the hard work of all involved, and the dedication to patient care.
I will keep you updated as the overall project’s final construction dates approach.
Andrew Stripp
Chief Executive