Grampians Health Chair of the Board Bill Brown, Director of Education and Training (Nursing and Midwifery) Sue Thorpe, Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison pictured in the simulation lab on Level 2 of the new building pictured right.
The first building part of the $655 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment (BBHR) is now complete, marking a significant milestone in Ballarat’s biggest-ever infrastructure project.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas yesterday (Thursday 24 October) toured the new building which will house key support services including a state-of-the-art pharmacy, pathology and a new education and learning centre.
The new six-storey building on Drummond Street will also provide power to the entire hospital, ensuring backup during any unexpected outages.
CEO Dale Fraser said Grampians Health was committed to developing future-focused infrastructure to enhance healthcare services, with the new building serving as a testament to this commitment.
Mr Fraser said one of the features of the new building was the state-of-the-art pharmacy robot which would store, manage and supply medication.
“Grampians Health aims to embed technology, research and innovation to meet our community needs so we are extremely pleased to now have such a high-tech piece of equipment to safely and efficiently dispense medication for our inpatients and outpatients,” Mr Fraser said.
“As part of our strategic priorities, we are also committed to enhancing skills and knowledge to support a high performing culture. Our new building houses our Education Centre on Level 2, featuring a high-fidelity simulation lab, control room, mock ward and flexible teaching spaces.
“These advanced facilities will enable our nursing and midwifery staff to train with cutting-edge technology, ensuring we continue to deliver the best care to our communities.”
A new data centre is also a key feature of the building, supporting the digital operations of all Grampians Health campuses while enhancing both patient care and operational efficiency.
Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier said the completion of the new building was a significant milestone, symbolising both progress and our dedication to preparing our healthcare service for the future.
“In helping design this new building, Grampians Health meticulously considered all aspects of environmental sustainability to ensure it supported best practices,” Ms Furnier said.
“We also wanted to ensure that our new facility was welcoming to all and have introduced non-gender bathrooms throughout the building. First Nations artwork will also be installed soon to help support Grampians Health’s commitment to fostering supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for all.
“We are really pleased that this facility embraces innovation, offers unparalleled support and will help us to deliver the highest quality care to patients.”
Deakin University will move into Level 1 of the new building while Grampians Health’s Digital Health (IT), Pathology, Capital Projects, Engineering Administration and Environmental Services Administration will also be housed in the new facility.
With Stage 2 of the BBHR now complete, the focus now shifts to Stage 3 works which are well underway with piling works and other preparatory works.
Stage 3 will see the construction of a new main tower, featuring a ground-floor emergency department, a state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
Construction of the main tower is expected to be completed by 2027, increasing the hospital’s capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and 14,500 inpatients annually.
Patients and visitors at the Ballarat Base Hospital now have access to hundreds of additional free public car spaces.
Grampians Health today (Wednesday 4 September) delivered a special thank you gift to staff and the community at the reopening of the expanded multi-deck car park at the Ballarat Base Hospital.
To thank everyone for their patience and support during construction works to create an additional 400 car parks, Grampians Health is offering free parking for all until the end of the year.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney officially opened the expanded car park which was delivered as part of the $655 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment and funded through the Regional Car Park Fund.
CEO Dale Fraser thanked staff and the community for their patience over the past 11 months and said the health service was pleased to offer free parking until the end of the year as a token of appreciation.
“The City of Ballarat has been extremely supportive in allowing us to use the City Oval as our temporary car park along with neighbouring businesses who provided after hours parking for our on call medical staff. We are extremely grateful for the community’s support,” Mr Fraser said.
“I would also like to thank our redevelopment team for helping to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure while minimising the impacts of construction and allowing the hospital to continue to operate.”
Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier said today’s reopening of the expanded multi-deck car park marked another significant milestone in the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment.
“In addition to delivering new facilities and vital clinical capacity for the hospital, the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment will address the critical need to improving access for staff, patients and visitors,” Ms Furnier said.
“We’re so pleased that our expanded car park now includes eight levels, including the ground floor, providing staff and our community with greater access to parking seven days a week, 24 hours a day.”
Ms Furnier said it was exciting to see the upgrade of our Ballarat Base Hospital taking shape with the first building delivered as part of the redevelopment expected to be completed by the end of the year and works for the main tower now underway.
The redevelopment will be completed over multiple stages, with construction of the main tower, as part of the final stage, expected to be completed in 2027.
Once the Ballarat Base Hospital upgrade is complete, it will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients.
Grampians Health is committed to providing free public parking now and into the future for patients and visitors as a result of this exciting new development.
Free parking is available to all (including staff) without time restrictions until Christmas as we work through the operational requirements to ensure carpark access, safety and flow is optimised at all times. Long term operational details will be confirmed in 2025, such as time limits to ensure public parking accessibility.
The Free Park & Ride bus service that has been operating from the hospital’s temporary car park at the City Oval will finish on Friday 6 September at 11pm.
Join the redevelopment team this week to find out more about the main tower works at two community information sessions at the Ballarat Art Gallery, Lydiard Street.
Community members are welcome to drop in at the Art Gallery on Thursday 1 August from 1pm to 3pm or Saturday 3 August from 11am to 2pm.
The main tower will feature a new emergency department, expanded operating theatre suite, a postnatal ward, birthing rooms, special care nursery and an additional 100 inpatient and short stay beds.
The new emergency department will also include a mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) hub, providing specialist care to patients when they need it most.
Everyone is welcome to attend the community information sessions. No registration is required, just drop-in at the Ballarat Art Gallery.
We hope to see you there!
If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to reach out to the team at redevelopment@gh.org.au
Grampians Health will this weekend farewell the 43-metre tower crane which was named after Maureen Woodford in recognition of her incredible contributions as a volunteer.
Maureen the Crane is expected to be dismantled this Saturday 15 June and Sunday 16 June (weather dependent). The crane has played an integral role in helping construct the first building of the $655 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment.
The new six-storey building on Drummond Street will house Grampians Health Education, Capital Works, Engineering, IT, Pharmacy, Environmental Services, the at-home care workforce, Pathology and Deakin University.
CEO Dale Fraser said it had been fitting watching the first building being constructed with the support of a crane named after one of Grampians Health’s many wonderful volunteers.
“I’ve been lucky to have a bird’s eye view of the construction of the building. It’s been fantastic to see such progress being made on the much-needed upgrade to our hospital,” Mr Fraser said.
“Maureen is a valuable support arm to Grampians Health having volunteered at the Ballarat Base Hospital for more than 15 years across various programs including the Welcome Team of which she is currently the Team Leader.
“The naming of Maureen the Crane was a wonderful way to recognise the collective efforts of all of our incredible volunteers who give so much to our healthcare service.”
Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier-Tosco said works on the hospital’s newest building now focussed on completing the fit out of all levels.
“Once Maureen the Crane is dismantled, the focus will turn to fit out and commissioning of the building,” Ms Furnier-Tosco said.
“Thank you to our wonderful staff for their patience and support while works have been underway on upgrades to our hospital.
“It’s an exciting time in the upgrade of our hospital with the new building on Drummond Street expected to be completed at the end of this year and preparatory activities for the main tower already underway on site.”
Maureen said it had been an absolute privilege to have her name gracing the Ballarat skyline for the past year – representing her fellow volunteers.
“It really has been wonderful in so many ways. It has been a great topic of conversation for all who walk through the hospital doors every day. One conversation that will remain close to my heart is with a nurse who regularly brought her five-year-old son into the hospital. The nurse would often talk to her son about the crane to distract him of the purpose of his visit. To be able to help in that way was very special,” Ms Woodford said.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said Maureen the Crane had symbolised the importance of the Ballarat Base Hospital's volunteers and the significant upgrades to the hospital.
“I look forward to seeing the hospital's redevelopment progress so more patients can receive the care they need, closer to home."
The section of Drummond Street, between Sturt and Mair Streets, will be closed to all vehicles on June 15 and 16 to allow for Maureen the Crane to be dismantled. Grampians Health’s Ballarat Base Hospital will remain accessible via Drummond Street, Mair Street and Sturt Street with pedestrian access still available.
The Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment has received $54.6 million in additional funding as part of the 2024/25 Victorian Budget.
This funding will facilitate the delivery of 23 post-natal beds, five birthing suites and a 12-cot special care nursery.
These units will be collocated on Level Two of the new tower, across a 3,800m2 area. This equates to a 700m2 increase in floor area, ensuring we can meet the local community’s health needs now and into the future.
An additional $5.4 million in funding will enable the fit out of a new mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub. This hub will be delivered as part of main works on the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment and will be located in the new emergency department.
The redevelopment is on track to be completed in 2027.
If you have any queries regarding the BBHR, please email redevelopment@gh.org.au
We’re trialling a mini bus for all Free Park & Ride services to and from the Ballarat Base Hospital while works to expand the hospital’s multi-deck car park are underway.
This adjustment has been made following review of recent bus usage data.
Our bus schedule will remain unchanged, operating from the City Oval Monday to Friday and the Western Oval on Saturdays, 6am to 11.20pm. To view the updated Free Park & Ride bus schedule, please click here.
Thank you for your support as we help build a bigger and better hospital.
If you have any queries, please email redevelopment@gh.org.au
Saturday’s Free Park & Ride bus service will now operate from the Western Oval in Pleasant Street as of this Saturday 6 April.
Two pick-up and drop off points will be used at the Western Oval on Saturdays, please see below for a map of the pick-up and drop off points.
The change in location is due to the 2024 local football season commencing at the City Oval.
The Free Park & Ride bus service will continue to operate from the City Oval Monday to Friday until expansion works on the Ballarat Base Hospital’s multi-deck car park are completed later this year.
To view the updated Free Park & Ride bus schedule, please click here.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to email redevelopment@gh.org.au.
Thank you for your support as we help build a bigger and better hospital.
A group of dynamic women is at the forefront of Ballarat's biggest infrastructure initiative, leading the charge in driving the construction of the project.
On this International Women’s Day (Friday 8 March), Grampians Health recognises and celebrates the collaborative achievements of staff from the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), John Holland and Grampians Health on their work in delivering Stage 2 of the $595.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment (BBHR).
Grampians Health’s Chief Redevelopment & Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier-Tosco and Project Director Nicole Lancer are working closely with VHBA’s BBHR Executive Director Danny Parr, Executive Director Program Delivery Anna Marshall, Project Manager Annelyse Carter and John Holland’s Site Manager Sam Sculley to upgrade our hospital.
With more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Ms Furnier-Tosco plays a crucial role in ensuring that Grampians Health remains at the forefront of healthcare delivery in regional Victoria.
Prior to joining Grampians Health 12 months ago, Ms Furnier-Tosco had previously worked on some of Melbourne's major infrastructure projects including CityLink, Marvel Stadium and Docklands Marina.
“It’s really exciting being involved in Ballarat’s biggest and one of the most highly anticipated infrastructure projects which will help future proof healthcare in the Ballarat region for years to come,” Ms Furnier Tosco said.
“It’s a privilege to be collaborating and working alongside some incredibly talented women to deliver the much-needed upgrades to our hospital. These new modern facilities will provide our communities with the best possible care for years to come, including care closer to home."
“As a leader, I’m passionate about creating an inclusive environment for all where people are encouraged to develop and maximise their potential while achieving positive outcomes.”
Ms Parr said it was often said that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’.
“That’s why it’s so important to make visible the achievements of women at all levels, and from all disciplines, helping deliver the expanded and upgraded hospital for the Ballarat community and its surrounds,” Ms Parr said.
“In a traditionally male-dominated industry, we hope this can create a positive and inclusive working environment, including for women starting out in their trade or construction careers.”
Ms Sculley said she was really excited to be contributing to something so important to her hometown of Ballarat.
“This project will create lasting benefits for our local communities and that’s something I’m really proud of,” Ms Sculley said.
“It’s great to see dynamic women playing such a key role in the delivery of this project. The world is really at your feet in construction and the career development opportunities are second to none.”
Ms Lancer, who is an experienced construction professional with a demonstrated history of working on large and complex projects including the Victorian Heart Hospital, Bendigo Hospital and Royal Children’s Hospital, joined the BBHR project team two and a half years ago.
“The redevelopment is the first project I have worked on where women hold the majority of senior leadership positions across multiple organisations,” Ms Lancer said.
“I hope it inspires younger women to aspire for senior and executive opportunities. A career in healthcare construction is incredibly rewarding. Few careers provide you with such tangible and highly visible reminders of how your efforts and career has improved the lives of those in your community.”
The BBHR will deliver a new ground-floor emergency department, a state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
Once completed in 2027, Grampians Health’s Ballarat Base Hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients.
The $595.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment has achieved a significant milestone with the first building reaching its full height, marking the completion of its concrete structure.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas visited Grampians Health today to celebrate the topping out of the Ballarat Base Hospital’s newest building which will house support services including a state-of-the-art pharmacy, pathology services and an Education and Learning Centre.
CEO Dale Fraser said he was pleased to celebrate this significant milestone in Ballarat’s biggest infrastructure project - the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment - with the completion of the concrete structure of the first building part of the project.
“This milestone signifies progress while also reflecting our commitment to future proofing our healthcare services into the future,” Mr Fraser said.
Chief Redevelopment & Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier-Tosco said works on the hospital’s newest building would now shift to fitting out all levels including the façade.
“It’s an exciting time in the upgrade of our hospital with the new six-storey building on Drummond Street expected to be completed at the end of this year and main tower works set to commence this year too,” Ms Furnier-Tosco said.
Construction of the main tower works is expected to be completed in 2027 and will feature a new ground-floor emergency department, a state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
Once completed, the Ballarat Base Hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients.
Construction of the third stage of Ballarat’s biggest infrastructure project - the $595.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment – is set to commence later this year.
Minister for Health and Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas has announced that Built, one of Australia’s largest private construction groups, has been appointed to deliver the main works stage of the redevelopment which includes a new multi-level tower and helipad.
The multi-level tower will feature a new ground-floor emergency department, a state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
Stage 3 of the redevelopment will also reconfigure the Ballarat Base Hospital with a new main entrance on Sturt Street, improving access for patients, families and emergency vehicles while delivering urgently-needed short-term parking and safe drop-off zones.
Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser said this was a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the hospital with construction of the main tower works set to commence this year.
“It’s exciting to see the transformation of our hospital into a future ready health care facility that aligns with the growing needs of our community,” Mr Fraser said.
“I’m sure many in our community have been watching the first building of the redevelopment rising up from the ground in Drummond Street over the past few months. I know many of our staff have enjoyed watching Maureen the Crane, named after one of Grampians Health’s valuable volunteers, instrumental in the construction of the structure of the Drummond Street building.”
Mr Fraser said works to expand the hospital’s multi-deck car park, resulting in an additional 400 car parks when completed later this year, were taking shape.
He acknowledged the tremendous support from staff, the community and the City of Ballarat over the past few months in regards to the temporary parking solutions at the City Oval while works to expand the multi-deck car park were underway.
Mr Fraser thanked the nearby businesses who have provided direct support for our on-call medical staff with parking.
Construction of the main tower works is expected to be completed in 2027. Once completed, the Ballarat Base Hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients.
Built is one of Australia’s largest privately-owned construction companies with extensive experience delivering healthcare facilities across the country, including regional areas, such as Stage 3A of the $223.5 million Latrobe Regional Hospital Expansion.
The Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment team has updated its Free Park & Ride bus service schedule to make it even easier for staff, patients and visitors when accessing the hospital from the City Oval while construction works to expand the hospital’s multi-deck car park are underway.
As part of the new Free Park & Ride schedule, staff, patients and visitors can now be dropped off and also picked up from both the BRICC Sturt Street entrance and also the hospital’s Drummond Street entrance.
The other main change to the schedule is that the bus will now run at specific times throughout the day from 6am to 11.20pm, Monday to Saturday.
Buses will run every 15 minutes during peak times and every half an hour non-peak times.
The decision to stop running the bus on Sundays was due to minimal passengers on those days from data collected during the first six weeks of service.
The new schedule will be effective from Monday 20 November 2023. To view the updated Free Park & Ride bus schedule, please click here.
We understand that construction works to double the capacity of our multi-deck car park from about 400 car parks to about 800 impacts our staff and patients and we appreciate your support and patience during this time.
Thank you to Ballarat Council for their support also in allowing us to use the City Oval as a temporary car park.
The hospital’s expanded multi-deck car park is expected to open in July 2024.
If you have any queries regarding the Free Park & Ride service please don’t hesitate to reach out to the redevelopment team at redevelopment@gh.org.au
A shout out to our staff and visitors to the Ballarat Base Hospital who have jumped on board our Free Park & Ride service this week.
With the temporary closure of the Ballarat Base Hospital’s multi-deck car park due to expansion works, our Free Park & Ride service is operating from the City Oval to the hospital from 6am to 11.20pm, seven days a week.
Buses will run every 15-20 minutes throughout the day, with the frequency increasing to continuous loops during peak periods (6.15am-9.15am and 2pm-6pm)
The following drop off / pick up points at the hospital will be used:
We understand that construction works to double the capacity of our multi-deck car park from about 400 car parks to about 800 impacts our staff and visitors and we appreciate their support and patience during this time.
Thank you to Ballarat Council for their support also in allowing us to use the City Oval as a temporary car park.
Thank you to the City of Ballarat for allowing us to use the City Oval as a temporary car park where we will operate the Free Park & Ride service for patients and visitors.
Patients and visitors to the hospital are also welcome to park at the City Oval and walk the 800 metres (about a 10-minute walk) or continue to park in surrounding streets.
The Free Park & Ride service will be available from 6am to just after 11pm every 15-20 minutes throughout the day, with the frequency increasing to continuous loops during peak periods (6.15am – 9.15am and 2pm-6pm).
Construction works are expected to take 10 months, resulting in about 800 car parks at the hospital.
We acknowledge that these upcoming works may inconvenience the community including our staff. We appreciate your patience during this time as we endeavour to balance the impacts of construction and deliver more parking as part of this vital upgrade to our hospital.
Construction works to expand Grampians Health’s multi-deck car park at the Ballarat Base Hospital are set to commence next month.
The Victorian Government announced earlier this year that 400 car parking spaces would be delivered as part of the $595.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment (BBHR), almost doubling the capacity of the multi-deck car park.
Works to expand the car park will start during the week commencing Monday 9 October, marking another significant milestone in the upgrade of the Ballarat Base Hospital. The expanded car park is expected to be completed by July 2024.
To enable works to commence, the hospital’s multi-deck car park will temporarily close from Monday 2 October to all visitors to the hospital including staff.
CEO Dale Fraser said Grampians Health and the Victorian Health Building Authority were working closely together to help minimise the impacts of construction while delivering this vital piece of infrastructure.
“We understand that these upcoming works may temporarily inconvenience the community including our staff and we have implemented a number of initiatives to allow those to continue to access the hospital safely during the car park expansion works,” Mr Fraser said.
“A free park and ride service from the City Oval will commence from Monday 25 September which will be similar to the service offered previously when construction works took place at the hospital. Buses will run every 15-20 minutes throughout the day, with the frequency increasing to continuous loops during peak periods. Further details will be provided as we near the commencement date of the free park and ride service.
“Staff and visitors to the hospital can also park at the City Oval for free and walk the 800 metres between the City Oval and hospital which takes about 10 minutes. I would like to thank the City of Ballarat for their support and allowing access to the City Oval while the hospital’s car park is expanded.”
Mr Fraser said the upgrade of the Ballarat Base Hospital was really starting to take shape, with construction of the first building part of the redevelopment being constructed on Drummond Street and the car park expansion works soon getting underway.
“In addition to delivering new facilities and vital clinical capacity for the hospital, the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment will address the critical need to improving access for staff, patients and visitors,” Mr Fraser said.
“The expanded car park will result in improved traffic flow and a reduction in congestion when completed and I thank our staff and community for their patience and support during this time as we build a bigger and better hospital.”
Please find below FAQs which provide more information. We will continue to keep you updated with the latest information here. If you have any queries at all during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment team at redevelopment@gh.org.au
FAQs
What is happening?
Earlier this year, the Victorian Government announced 400 car parking spaces would be delivered as part of the $595.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment (BBHR). The expansion of the car park will almost double the capacity of the multi-deck car park.
With these works soon getting underway, the current multi-deck car park will temporarily close on Monday 2 October to allow for the expansion of the car park.
While we acknowledge these works may inconvenience the community, we appreciate your patience during this time as we endeavour to balance the impacts of construction and deliver more urgently needed parking as part of this vital upgrade to our hospital.
How long will the multi-deck car park be closed?
The multi-deck car park is expected to be closed for about 10 months to allow for the construction of the 400 car parks.
What alternative parking options are available for the community when visiting the hospital?
The BBHR team is currently finalising a free park and ride service to bus visitors from the confines of the City Oval to the hospital (similar to the service offered when the multi-deck car park was built).
Alternatively, visitors to our hospital can also walk the 800 metres between the City Oval and hospital (about 10 minutes) or continue to park in streets surrounding the hospital.
What is the schedule for the park and ride service?
Buses will run from 6am to 11pm every 15-20 minutes throughout the day, with the frequency increasing to continuous loops during peak periods (6.15am – 9.15am and 2pm-6pm)
The following drop off / pick up points at the hospital will be used:
The City Oval will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for patients. Please access the City Oval via Pleasant Street only.
Please note, on occasions, there may be events held at the City Oval which will result in the free park and ride bus service not being able to operate. On these occasions, we will communicate to staff and visitors ahead of time of the service not operating on those days.
Further details will be provided as we near the commencement date of this service.
Are there any costs to park at the City Oval?
No. The community will be able to park in the confines of the City Oval for free including free travel on the shuttle bus. Parking restrictions remain in place on surrounding streets.
Will patient services including access to the Emergency Department be impacted by construction of the multi-deck car park?
Works will be planned and managed to minimise impacts to patients and the community wherever possible. During all stages of construction, access to the Emergency Department will always remain open including the existing car parks directly at the front of the Emergency Department to drop off patients.
What are the parking alternatives during construction works for community members with a disability?
The shuttle bus will be accessible for those with mobility issues. People with accessible parking permits can use disability car parks on streets surrounding the hospital. Green Permits/Category 2 Permits will allow permit holders to park for twice the permissible time in an ordinary parking bay.
For further information about accessible parking permits, please click on the website links below.
What happens if expansion works take longer?
The alternative parking arrangements will be maintained until the completion of the expansion of the multi-deck car park.
How can I keep informed on the expansion of the car park and any future changes to the park and ride service?
The community can keep informed on the progress of the expansion of the car park and any changes to the park and ride schedule by visiting www.bhs.org.au/redevelopment. Any changes to the park and ride service will also be communicated via Grampians Health Ballarat’s Facebook page.
Who do I contact if I have any concerns regarding car parking during the expansion works of the multi-deck car park?
The community can contact redevelopment@gh.org.au with any queries.
Thank you for your support as we help build a bigger and better hospital.
We understand these adjustments may impact our visitors to our hospital and we appreciate your patience and flexibility during this time. Again, if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the BBHR team at redevelopment@gh.org.au as the team is committed to assisting the community as much as possible during these works.
Many of you may have noticed the magnificent Maureen the Crane gracing the Ballarat skyline recently, but do you know the inspiring individual behind its name?
In this video, Maureen takes us on a journey of her extraordinary 14-year tenure as a Grampians Health volunteer.
From her time as a dedicated nurse at the Ballarat Base Hospital to her selfless contributions within our community, Maureen's impact has been nothing short of inspiring.
Joined by CEO Dale Fraser and Manager of Volunteer Services Leah Ferguson, this video showcases Maureen's remarkable dedication and how she perfectly represents the spirit of all volunteers at Grampians Health with her name on the first tower crane for the $595.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment.
Thank you to the Victorian Health Building Authority for capturing Maureen's incredible journey in this beautiful video which can be viewed here.
The first tower crane as part of the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment has been named after Maureen Woodford in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Grampians Health as a volunteer.
Maureen has volunteered at the Ballarat Base Hospital for more than 14 years across various programs including the Welcome Team of which she is currently the Team Leader, BRICC Wellness Centre, Volunteer Simulated Patient and the Emergency Department.
CEO Dale Fraser said it was volunteers like Maureen who provided a valuable support arm to Grampians Health and the naming of the crane represented yet another opportunity to acknowledge their remarkable contributions.
“Maureen has wholeheartedly integrated herself into the fabric of the team at Grampians Health having worked at the Ballarat Base Hospital for 15 years as a nurse. She has then chosen to return to continue contributing to healthcare by selflessly volunteering,” Mr Fraser said.
“While we would love to include the names of all 180 volunteers on the crane unfortunately space limitations make it impossible. However, we can’t emphasise enough that every volunteer is equally important and valued and that the one name will represent the collective efforts of our incredible volunteer community.
“We want each and every volunteer to understand their significance to us and the immense gratitude we hold for their invaluable contributions.”
Manager of Volunteer Services Leah Ferguson said she felt immense pride for her exceptional team of volunteers.
"Our volunteers infuse life into our programs and offer assistance in countless ways, from transporting cancer patients to and from the hospital for treatment, providing directions within the hospital, engaging with patients on the wards, to supporting our ED Department," Ms Ferguson said.
"I am incredibly grateful to all our volunteers for their selflessness, the time they dedicate, and the energy they bring to Grampians Health. Each and every one of them is genuinely treasured and I congratulate Maureen receiving the honour to represent the team."
Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier-Tosco said this marked a significant milestone in the project with the first building taking shape and volunteers now becoming an integral part of this transformative journey through the naming of the crane.
“All staff and volunteers had an opportunity to nominate a volunteer for the crane to be named after during National Volunteers Week. We are so pleased that the crane honours Maureen and all of our incredible volunteers,” Ms Furnier-Tosco said.
The tower crane will assist in building the Central Energy Plant Support Services building, the first building part of the redevelopment, which will house a state-of-the-art pharmacy, pathology services and an Education and Learning Centre and is expected to be completed in late 2024.
Maureen lives in Ballarat with her husband Alan. She has three children and four grandchildren.
Each month, volunteers generously provide invaluable support across almost 30 programs, helping Grampians Health to provide the best possible care. If you would like to become a Grampians Health volunteer please email volunteers@bhs.org.au
Maureen is pictured with Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment Project Manager Mark Powell and Manager of Volunteer Services Leah Ferguson.
Grampians Health welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement of an additional 400 car parking spaces to be delivered as part of the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today (29 March 2023) visited Grampians Health Ballarat to announce the upgrade to the existing multi-deck car park at the Ballarat Base Hospital.
To accommodate the new car parks, the current helipad landing zone will be temporarily relocated, and a new helipad will form part of stage three of the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment. The new helipad will be located on top of the new multi-level tower.
Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser said he welcomed the much-needed additional car parks.
“The expansion of the existing multi-deck car park will help address the car park shortage around the Ballarat Base Hospital,” Mr Fraser said.
“The relocation of the helipad to the top of the main tower of our upgraded hospital will help future proof the health needs of our community. Direct connectivity between the helipad and our new Emergency Department will facilitate efficient patient transfer and treatment.”
Works to upgrade the existing multi-deck car park will get underway this year and are expected to be completed by mid-2024.
The Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment is progressing well with stage two works now underway.
Stage two works involves the major construction of the Central Energy Plant Support Services building which will house a state-of-the-art pharmacy, pathology services and an Education and Learning Centre.
John Holland Group has been appointed as the builder for stage two and completed the foundation support works (piling works) for the CEPSS in late March, marking a significant milestone for the building.
The construction of the CEPSS building is expected to be completed in 2024, while the main hospital works are expected to be completed in 2027.
A section of the footpath on the Ballarat Base Hospital side of Drummond Street is now closed to the public.
The closure of the footpath will allow the builders to undertake construction works safely on the Central Energy Plant Support Services building – part of the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment (BBHR).
All pedestrians are to use the footpath on the opposite side of the hospital on Drummond Street via the main pedestrian crossing (please map above).
Please don't hesitate to email redevelopment@bhs.org.au if you have any queries or concerns.
Construction of the first building part of the $541.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment is set to get underway in January 2023.
John Holland will deliver the next stage of the project which comprises the new central energy plant and support services building on Drummond Street.
The building will house a state-of-the-art pharmacy, pathology services and an Education and Learning Centre and is expected to be completed in late 2024.
To keep informed of important updates, please regularly visit this page. If you have any queries regarding the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment please email redevelopment@bhs.org.au
Photo: Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser, John Holland Site Manager Samantha Sculley, Project Director Nicole Lancer and Victorian Health Building Authority’s Fiona Hodder.
The latest designs for the $541.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment have been unveiled.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas has today (Wednesday 7 September) revealed new designs of the multi-level tower that will house a new emergency department, state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
The new facade’s earthy tones and use of natural materials has been inspired by Ballarat’s landscape and rich history, creating a healing environment that brings patient needs and wellbeing to the forefront.
Community views have shaped the designs with residents calling for more green spaces, modern facilities, a comfortable and welcoming environment, and better wayfinding to make it easier to navigate the hospital.
Residents will have an opportunity to learn about the new designs and meet the team behind the redevelopment at a community drop-in session on Wednesday 7 September from 5.30pm-7.30 pm at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
The redevelopment is being completed over multiple stages, with local builder H. Troon completing the first stage, including relocating and modernising reception areas, reflection spaces, prayer rooms and consulting suites. This paves the way for the construction of the new Central Energy Plant and Support Services building later this year, which will include a new pharmacy, pathology services and an Education and Learning Centre.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), in partnership with Grampians Health, the upgraded hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients per year.
Construction of the multi-level tower will begin in 2024, with the final stage due for completion in 2027.
Please note, Images are artist impressions and subject to change.
A community information session to view and learn more about the final design of the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment will be held on Wednesday 7 September.
The new designs showcase the new look and feel of the redeveloped hospital, including the new multilevel tower which includes a new emergency department, state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
The information session is also an opportunity to meet the team behind the massive $541.6 million build. Staff from the Victorian Health Building Authority, Grampians Health and Lyons Architect will be available to answer questions about the redevelopment.
The event will be held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street, Ballarat, from 5.30pm - 7.30pm. The community is welcome to drop in anytime during the session. Tea, coffee and food will be provided.
The Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment will be completed over multiple stages, with construction of the final stage expected to be completed in 2027.
Once completed, the upgraded hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients per year.
We are excited to share with you a new artist impression of what the first building to be constructed as part of the $541.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment will look like!
A new artist impression showcasing the new main entry of the Ballarat Base Hospital which is being delivered as part of the $541.6 million redevelopment has been unveiled.
While minor demolition works will occur between now until the end of April, the bulk of works is due to occur later this month and through until late June.
As part of Stage 1 works of the $541.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment, demolition of the Edward Wilson and Eildon House buildings in Drummond Street will commence in April.
In October 2021, the Victorian Health Building Authority asked for your ideas and priorities to help shape the key family spaces in the redeveloped $541.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital - from waiting rooms to gardens.
The Victorian Government is calling on the community to take part in the survey and contribute to some of the indoor and outdoor areas of the redevelopment including waiting rooms and gardens.
The first stage is an early works component of the wider project and will include:
Addressing environmental design within the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment is a high priority. Ballarat Health Services, with the Department of Health, recognise the responsibility we have to minimise our impact, provide leadership and set a positive example to our community.
Ballarat Health Services has received a boost in investment for the redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital, ensuring the region’s families and dedicated hospital staff get the world-class facilities they deserve and need to treat thousands more patients a year.
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