THE $2 million Ballan hospital redevelopment is nearing completion, with the first patients set to walk through the doors of the state-of-the art facility in mid-November.
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Ballan District Health and Care health services manager Wendy Grayland said the redevelopment increased the hospital’s capacity from seven beds to 10 and opened it up for the first time to public acute patients.
It also provided a dedicated palliative care bed, an X-ray and a covered ambulance bay.
She said there was excitment building among hospital staff in the lead-up to the opening next month.
“We only had seven private beds previously – this makes it more accessible,” Ms Grayland said.
“With the palliative care bed, people will be able to receive palliative care in the community close to family and friends.”
The hospital will increase its nursing staff to cater for the expansion.
The old building was demolished in December last year and the new Ballan and District Soldiers Memorial Bush Nursing Hospital has been under construction since.
Ms Grayland said the original hospital was 40 years old and built with funds raised by the Ballan community over two decades. But it had its limitations, with no covered ambulance bay or X-ray and very small administration areas. Ms Grayland said the hospital’s redevelopment was necessary given Ballan was in the region’s population growth corridor.
“It really enhances all the other services we’ve got – the GP Super Clinic and all of our allied health,” she said.
The hospital’s interior was designed by a student from the North Melbourne Institute of Technology after her concept for the space won a competition.
rachel.afflick@thecourier.com.au
