FORMER Premier Steve Bracks has been appointed chair of a newly-formed Community Consultation Committee which will oversee the planning for the new Ballarat Base Hospital.

Mr Bracks will chair public forums and work closely with locals to design the best possible outcome for the hospital, so it meets the needs of the community.

The $461.6 million rebuild will see the construction of a new emergency development, a modern acute mental health facility, an ICU, a women’s and children’s hub, an expanded critical care ‘hot floor’ and at least 100 additional beds.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said Mr Bracks had a proven track record in health, having been Premier during the rebuild of the Austin Hospital, the Women’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital.

She said as the  project gets underway, the State Government wants to make sure local voices are at the heart of the project.

“The Ballarat Base Hospital will be one of regional Australia’s very best. We’re proud to be delivering a world-class hospital that Ballarat families can count on for first-class care, closer to home,” Ms Hennessy said. 

“Steve Bracks was integral to building our state’s best hospitals. He’ll bring that wealth of experience to make sure the community plays a key role shaping the future of the Base.”

The state government expects the upgrades will provide the capacity for 18,000 more emergency patients to be seen at the Base per year, the equivalent of 49 more patients a day.  An extra 14,500 inpatients will also be able to be treated at the hospital. 

The windfall investment will create 1384 construction jobs, and once the project is complete, up to 1000 extra ongoing full time equivalent positions. 

The plans are for Mr Bracks to work with the community in creating the best designs for the hospital but to also include open plan spaces as well as public areas. He will work with the community to create the best outcome for the hospital.

The hospital is expected to be completed by 2026.

READ MORE: Almost $500 million to be spent rebuilding Ballarat Base Hospital

Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.