THE redeveloped Peninsula University Hospital has officially opened its doors.
The former Frankston Hospital has been undergoing $1.1 billion redevelopment works. The new 12-storey tower is now open and operational.
Peninsula Health confirmed that it would be moving patients into the new tower on 20 January. In a statement it said “throughout the day, patients and consumers (except those in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, Westernport and our PAPU unit) will be transferred from our current building into the new inpatient wards.
“During the move, visits are limited to essential support people only. Once patients and consumers are settled, families and contact people will be called to advise when visiting can resume.”
The new hospital building features 130 more beds, mental health and oncology services, 15 new operating theatres, and a rooftop helipad. It also contains new maternity, obstetrics and paediatric wards; a women’s clinic; a special care nursery to support new babies; endometriosis and pelvic pain multidisciplinary clinic services; an advanced laparoscopic gynaecology specialist; and an allied health team including physiotherapy.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited the new hospital building last weekend. She said “we promised Frankston a bigger and better hospital. That’s what we’ve delivered, and more.”
“Here’s what we believe: wherever you live in Victoria, you deserve the best standards of healthcare for you and your family. Frankston’s new hospital is proof,” she said.
Health infrastructure minister Melissa Horne said “once fully operational, this supports more than 35,000 extra patients every year.”
Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke also visited the hospital last weekend to celebrate the completion of major works. He said “what a huge moment for our community – we have delivered them the hospital we promised, and it will support locals for years to come. We have one of the world’s best hospitals right here in our backyard.
“It’s more than just a hospital. It’s central to our health and education precinct here in Frankston, providing care, but also an education partnership with Monash University, training medical students locally.”
Pregnant people who go into labour on 20 January can contact the Peninsula Health Pregnancy Assessment Unit on 9784 7959 for instructions on how to reach the maternity unit on level five of the new tower.
First published in the Frankston Times – 20 January 2025