Where will the new Barwon Women’s and Children’s be located?
The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s will be built within the University Hospital Geelong precinct.
Will this be a public hospital? Who will operate the Barwon Women’s and Children’s?
Barwon Health will continue to operate women’s and children’s services at University Hospital Geelong. Barwon Health is a public health service.
How much funding has been committed?
The Victorian Government committed more than $500 million in funding for the new Barwon Women’s and Children’s in the 2022-23 State Budget.
The total estimated investment includes $50 million in funding from the Commonwealth Government as part of the Community Health and Hospitals Program agreement.
Will there be an emergency department in the Barwon Women’s and Children’s?
The Victorian Government is also investing $20 million to deliver a new emergency department zone for children at University Hospital Geelong.
The dedicated paediatric zone will be located within the existing emergency department. It will have its own entrance and will provide a calm and comfortable environment for children and their families.
The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s will be designed to ensure easy access from the new children’s emergency facilities as part of an integrated hospital precinct.
Why is Barwon Women’s and Children’s being built?
The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s will deliver extra capacity to meet the growing needs of Geelong and surrounding communities.
The demand for women’s and children’s services in the region is expected to increase significantly in coming years. This is being driven by the growing population in the region.
Barwon Women’s and Children’s will provide expanded facilities at University Hospital Geelong to allow more families to access care locally, minimising the need to travel to Melbourne.
When is construction expected to start?
Early site demolition works started in November 2022 with the demolition of Myers House on the corner of Myers and Bellerine streets.
Site planning will continue throughout 2023, paving the way for construction of the new Barwon Women’s and Children’s facilities.
Will services at University Hospital Geelong be impacted during construction?
We are committed to minimising disruptions and ensuring the accessibility, safety and wellbeing of staff and community are supported at all times during construction.
Will nearby residents and businesses be impacted during construction?
We will work closely with contractors and Barwon Health to minimise disruptions to neighbouring residents and businesses.
Works notices will be issued to nearby residents and businesses in advance of any expected disruptions such as changes to traffic or works expected to generate noise or dust.