Construction begins at Barwon Health North

People in Geelong’s northern suburbs are one step closer to having additional health services with the first sod turned on the Barwon Health North project today.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy joined Member for Lara John Eren to mark the important milestone for the project, which will include an urgent care centre among other key health services.

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a new $33 million flagship health hub in Geelong to give local families the world-class health care they deserve – on their doorstep.

In addition to the urgent care centre, the facility will include medical imaging facilities, pathology, pharmacy, consulting suites and renal dialysis services.

Barwon Health North will play an important role in easing the strain on the University Hospital Geelong’s busy emergency department – patients will be able to access a range of ‘walk-in’ health services at the new facility

Once Barwon Health North opens its doors, patients nursing illnesses or injuries such as sprains, cuts or minor infections will be able to receive treatment on the spot, without an appointment – during business hours and on weekends.

The Corio Community Health Centre, which is also run by Barwon Health, will continue to operate and complement the range of services available at Barwon Health North.

Construction is due to be completed in mid-2019. The project is also a big boost to the Geelong economy with more than 130 construction jobs created.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy:

“More families are moving into Geelong’s northern suburbs. Today we are breaking ground and getting on with building a facility that truly reflects the growing needs of this flourishing community.”

“It means more Geelong families will have better and quicker access to the very best and safest healthcare in the very best facilities, right on their doorstep!”

Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren:

“Extended hours for urgent care when it’s hard to find a GP is not only essential for Geelong families, but it will also help take the pressure off Geelong’s busy emergency department.”

Quotes attributable to Professor Ruth Salom, Barwon Health CEO:

“For a long time, families in Geelong’s northern suburbs have needed access to more healthcare services closer to home, so we are thrilled to begin this project and bridge that gap.”

“We have championed the need for child and family services for Geelong’s northern community, as well as retaining and complementing the full suite of chronic care services provided at the Corio Community Health Centre.”

“Barwon Health North will meet the growing needs of an increasingly diverse community, serving as a modern, hybrid facility that bridges the gap between community health and the acute hospital setting.”

“Taking your child to paediatric specialists, such as audiologists and speech pathologists, will no longer require a trip across town. Children and families in this area will be treated in a purpose-built environment without the stress of travelling into central Geelong for clinics and treatment.”

“Since 2014, we’ve been meeting with a committee of consumers from the northern community to actively seek feedback and contributions towards the design and service as it was developed.”

“We’ll continue to brief local residents about the Barwon Health North project, its services and construction over the next 18 months as work progresses.”