The masterplan for the region’s first Regional Logistics Distribution Centre (RLDC) in Warrnambool has been completed and the final design is expected to be finished by the end of the year – marking the first phase in the Warrnambool Hospital redevelopment.
The Victorian Government has funded the purchase of land, planning and design for the RLDC through the Regional Health and Infrastructure Fund.
The recommendation to develop an RLDC came out of SWH’s 2018 master planning process for the redevelopment of the Warrnambool Base Hospital. SWH Regional Linen Service and SWH Supply and Logistics will be relocated to the RLDC to enable the onsite construction of an acute clinical tower.
This offsite (Cooper-Street) facility will support SWH and 10 other local health services SWH works closely with including Portland District Health, Western District Health Service, Colac Area Health, Great Ocean Road Health and Casterton Memorial Hospital.
SWH CEO Craig Fraser says he’s delighted with the state government’s support for the expansion of much needed acute services.
‘Relocating key regional services offsite will allow for the creation of a development zone on the Warrnambool Base Hospital site for the future construction of a clinical tower that includes a new emergency department and theatre complex,’ he says.
‘This is a key piece of the work required in the broader proposed Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment with the business case being refreshed and completed in recent weeks.
‘The Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment is a major priority in the 2020-24 South West Healthcare Strategic Plan and will significantly improve the emergency department, theatres and additional ward capacity that enables us to provide the very best care for our growing community.
‘We are very grateful for the significant support of the Victorian Health & Human Services Building Authority (VHHSBA) and the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) who are working closely with us in the design planning phase.’