VHBA In Brief: September 2023

Did you know cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally?

This Women's Health Week we're highlighting how better awareness and access to treatment can save lives.

Almost every hour, an Australian woman dies of cardiovascular disease. Despite this, too many women are unaware of their risk of heart disease.

We asked Victorian Heart Hospital cardiologist Dr Esther Davis how and when women should get checked.

Learn more about heart checks.

New heights for new Footscray Hospital

The massive new Footscray Hospital has reached its maximum height. This comes after the structural completion of the main hospital tower.

The main hospital building is on Geelong Road. It includes the 10-storey inpatient unit tower and features:

• the emergency department entrance
• operating theatres
• the medical imaging and pathology house
• more than 500 beds (including mental health).

The Victorian Government is improving access to mental health services through the Mental Health Beds Expansion Program.

At the Royal Melbourne Hospital, 14 of 22 new acute mental health beds have been delivered. This will help reduce pressure on the busy emergency department.

The new acute mental health beds provide a modern, safe and high-quality setting for people experiencing mental illness to access treatment.

The design creates a safe and welcoming environment. There are single rooms with ensuites, treatment and multi-purpose spaces and lounges.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital project will deliver more than 8,000 extra days of care each year. While more than 488 extra people will have access to mental health services at the hospital.

Also at the hospital, construction has finished on a new emergency department mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub.

See our latest project updates and milestones for:

• New Melton Hospital: Community consultation report released
• Frankston Hospital redevelopment: One-year construction mark
• New Queen Elizabeth II Hospital: Planning underway
• Maryborough and District Hospital redevelopment: Major construction begins
• Warrnambool Base Hospital: RLDC nears structural completion
• Kingston Centre residential aged care facility: Construction begins
• Rutherglen aged care facility: Construction begins
• Ballarat mental health centre: Young people help shape designs
• Thomas Embling Hospital upgrade: New designs released

Recently published:

• Werribee Mercy Emergency Department Expansion Project - Main Works Construction (closing 28/9/23)
• Industry leaders shortlisted to build the new Barwon Women's and Children's
• Builders appointed for new Ambulance Victoria branches in Avoca, Maribyrnong, Paynesville

We encourage suppliers to register on Buying for Victoria (tenders.vic.gov.au) and the Industry Capability Network (ICN Gateway) to view VHBA invitations to supply.