The Andrews Labor Government’s promise to deliver a new community hospital in Melbourne’s northeast is on track and on time – with a site now secured.

Minister for Health Martin Foley and Member for Eltham Vicki Ward today announced that a government-owned parcel of land at 405 Ryans Road, Diamond Creek, will be home to the new multi-million-dollar facility.

To be operated by Austin Health, the Eltham area Community Hospital (interim name) will be a public hospital providing a range of day hospital and primary health care services, including unplanned urgent care, general medical and specialist appointments, day surgery and chronic disease management.

Strong links to specialists, community health and social support services will improve follow-up treatment and support for those requiring complex care.

The Ryans Road site is close to a range of community facilities and services including playgrounds, schools and sporting facilities, and is serviced by a number of bus routes connecting to surrounding areas including Eltham Station, Greensborough, Diamond Creek and Hurstbridge.

The location will ensure the new facility will service the broader community and reduce the need for locals to travel to major hospitals including the Austin Hospital to manage their everyday health needs.

The new hospital is one of 10 new community hospitals in major growth areas, funded as part of a $675 million investment by the Labor Government.

Once complete, the 10 community hospitals will have the capacity to treat at least 114,000 more urgent care patients, 55,000 dialysis treatments and enable more than 100,000 additional allied health sessions each year. 

The Community Hospital Program will create an estimated 1,900 jobs during planning and construction and more than 1,000 healthcare jobs once completed.

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the designs for the community hospital will be released later this year when construction begins. The project is due for completion in 2024.  

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley

“We’re getting on with delivering the largest pipeline of health projects in Victoria’s history, so Victorians can access the care and services they need, no matter where they live.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward

“This location is a great outcome for our local community, it’ll mean we’ll be able to get a number of everyday health services close to home, without having to travel in traffic to the Austin or Northern Health.”

“Once completed, the hospital will offer urgent care, general medical and specialist appointments, day surgery and chronic disease management, a huge benefit for locals.”