Most significant expansion to meet patient needs

28/09/22

Patients in Melbourne’s northern suburbs will have greater access to world-class healthcare thanks to a major $180 million expansion of Warringal Private Hospital.

The three-stage project is the largest brownfields development taken on by owner Ramsay Health Care.

Australia’s largest private hospital operator has announced plans to almost double the size of the existing facility.

“This expansion will provide new facilities to enable our community to receive the care they need locally – closer to home, family and friends,” Warringal Private Hospital Kieron Martin said. 

“The redevelopment is the most significant expansion in our hospital’s 43-year history and shows Ramsay Health Care’s commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the communities north of Melbourne.”

The hospital will be transformed into a state-of-the-art multi-tower facility with 290 beds – 131 more than it has now.

It will feature 14 operating theatres, a bigger intensive care unit, a new emergency department, a new 21-bed day surgery and a diagnostic imaging service. 

“With population growth in our region predicted to increase significantly in coming years, this work will ensure Warringal Private Hospital is well placed to meet the private healthcare needs of the northern suburbs well into the future,” Mr Martin said.

Work started on the first stage in September and is due to be completed in mid-2024, adding three floors to the existing main building, two operating theatres, three wards and a recovery area.

“Stage two will see the demolition of the existing building housing the Conder and Streeton wards, to be replaced by a brand new five-level underground car park and above it, a seven-storey tower,” Mr Martin added. 

“The tower will house the new day surgery, new 14-bed intensive care unit, updated sleep study services, a new diagnostic imaging department, an additional operating theatre and medical consulting suites.”    

The third and final stage, due to be completed in early 2026, will unveil the new emergency department, main entrance and new Ramsay RetailPharmacy.

As the hospital grows, parking spaces will be increased by 261 to 519 to cater for greater patient numbers.

Ramsay Health Care is also expanding its mental health services in Victoria, opening its first psychology clinic in the state.

Ramsay Psychology Bundoora in north-east Melbourne aims to deliver much-needed outpatient mental health services, catering for increasing demand experienced since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we still offer psychology services in our hospitals, many people who need to see a clinician don’t need to be hospitalised, so this is a more appropriate option for them,” said Ramsay Health Care’s Director of Mental Health Strategy, David McGrath. 

“For many people a few sessions in a community-based environment is all they need to see a significant improvement in their life experience.

“Ramsay Psychology Bundoora will also be a good service for those who previously required hospital treatment and want to do follow-up sessions in a community setting once they have been discharged.”

It opened in September 2022 and is Ramsay’s 12th standalone psychology clinic following the launch of five sites in southeast Queensland and six in New South Wales.  

Registered Psychologist Lorena Villalon said the Bundoora team would provide personalised care for adults, teenagers, children, couples and families across a wide range of mental health conditions and symptoms.

“We understand that mental health, and mental health challenges, look different for everyone. That’s why our psychologists are experienced in a wide range of evidence-based therapies and have a triage service to carefully match patients with the best psychologist for their needs,” she said.