The new emergency department, which cost $34.9 million, was officially opened by Health Minister Martin Foley and James Merlino, Acting Premier.
Hosting one of the state's busiest emergency departments, the Sunshine Hospital annually treats about 65,000 patients. The latest expansion has doubled its capacity with the addition of 55 treatment places, allowing up to 59,000 extra patients to be seen each year, according to the Acting Premier, who added:
“Sunshine Hospital cares for one of our fastest growing communities and this expanded emergency department will ensure families in Melbourne’s west get seen faster and receive the care they need to get back on their feet.”
Merlino said the emergency department has also been purpose-built to host all ages and has a dedicated area for use as a calming space for children.
Often, details of new facilities available at public establishments such as Sunshine Hospital are widely advertised through the media and via flyer printing campaigns, particularly in the local area.
Sunshine Hospital's new emergency facilities include support areas, fast-track bays, a new reception and paediatric triage, a suite for medical imaging and treatment areas for kids. Now that the new expansion stage of the project is complete, work will concentrate on refurbishing the old emergency department section.