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Welcome to the latest new Footscray Hospital (NFH) project newsletter. In this issue:
Four years ago, construction began on the new Footscray Hospital site. Now in its final year, it’s an exciting time for the community in the west as hospital and university staff, volunteers and students ready to move into the new facility. Fit out works are almost done, with internal testing underway.
The first greenery arrived onsite, with Footscray Primary School students getting involved in the planting. Landscaping is progressing, with courtyards and external spaces nearing completion.
At the peak of construction, 1,500 workers were on-site, now reduced to 600. Over six million work hours have been completed. The pedestrian footbridge connecting the hospital to Victoria University is near completion, with final glazing underway.
Hospital intersection upgrades at Ballarat Road and Geelong Road entrances are being staged. The community will be kept informed about impacts.
Final glazing is underway on the new Footscray Hospital footbridge.
Hospital Street's completed timber ceiling is a unique design feature.
Native tree and shrub planting has transformed the centre hospital precinct.
Installation of equipment and medical fixtures, including hospital beds, has begun.
Testing and commissioning ensures the hospital is fully operational for patients. This includes final cleaning, air testing, staff training, and medication stocking.
Students from Footscray Primary School rolled up their sleeves to help with planting in the central green space at the new Footscray Hospital.
Incorporating art in hospital spaces enhances patient wellbeing by promoting warmth, calmness, and positive distraction.
Ethiopian-born, Melbourne-based artist Olana Janfa will create community-led artworks for the new Footscray Hospital precinct.
Olana will lead creative workshops with the community to create 80 original works based on the themes of hope, strength and family.
Incorporating art in hospital spaces enhances patient wellbeing by promoting warmth, calmness, and positive distraction.
Olana Janfa, artist'When I first arrived in Australia, Footscray welcomed me with warmth, kindness and a sense of belonging.
The sense of connection I have found here is something I strive to replicate in my works, so that patients, visitors and staff of the new Footscray Hospital feel just as welcomed and valued.’
We recently spoke with community members at the Yarraville Festival about ideas for items to include in your new Footscray Hospital time capsule.
What do you feel represents Footscray and the West today?
Email us at NFHProject.vhba@vida.vic.gov.au.
Do you have a passion for supporting the well-being of patients, staff and visitors?
Compass Group, who provide services to the new Footscray Hospital is recruiting for various roles.
Find out more on the Compass Group website.
Hundreds took part in WalkWest, hosted by the Western Health Foundation on Sunday 23 February.
Key partners including Plenary Health raised over $150,000 to go towards robotic surgery machines for when the new Footscray Hospital opens.
In the cultural melting pot of Melbourne’s west, Western Health’s interpreting team often field over 3,5000 requests for support each month.
At the helm of the service is Italian-born Lyn Bongiovanni who has worked at Footscray Hospital for 17 years.
Lyn says her empathy for those facing cultural or linguistic barriers was sparked as a small child when her family relocated from Sicily to Australia when she was eight.
Lyn Bongiovanni, Manager, Interpreting Services, Western Health‘Our main role is to facilitate connection. Give patients a voice when they need it most and when they are at their most vulnerable.’
‘I feel like we give patients dignity back to make informed decisions about their healthcare.’
The site of the new hospital was once home for young women working in local factories.
From 1942 to the 1950s the site was home to Richardson House.
The women living there worked at the Maribyrnong munitions factory, the largest wartime producer of its kind in Australia at the time.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the lands of the new Footscray Hospital and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Learn more about the new Footscray Hospital project on our dedicated project page.
You can also contact us by calling the project hotline on (03) 9999 1985, or by emailing NFHEnquiries.vhba@vida.vic.gov.au.
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