Designs for Geelong’s $500 million Barwon Women’s and Children’s hospital have been unveiled.
The ‘biggest health infrastructure project in Geelong’s history’ will be built within Barwon Health’s University Hospital Geelong precinct.
The designs provide an early look at the new maternity ward, inpatient rooms, and play spaces.
Locals across the region helped to inform the designs, contributing more than 600 ideas for the new health service.
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed their ideas towards the project to date, and in particular the community advisory group – the Barwon Women’s and Children’s will truly reflect our community,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.
The input captured has been shared with the project’s architects for consideration as they continue to develop the facility’s designs. The final designs and a start on construction are due in late 2024.
“It’s critically important we build a facility that represents the community it serves – which is why we’re listening to the community to shape this flagship project for the region,” Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.
With additional multi-day beds, birthing suites, operating theatres, and outpatient clinic rooms, the project will increase capacity to provide care for women and children.
A new neonatal and parent care unit will also expand the capacity and function of the hospital’s existing special care nursery to provide care for sick and pre-term babies in the first few weeks and months of life.
The Victorian Health Building Authority is expected to deliver the Barwon Women’s and Children’s by 2029 in partnership with Barwon Health, Lyons Architecture and Built.
