The Victorian government has unveiled plans for a significant upgrade and expansion of the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton, investing $535 million to deliver world-class healthcare to families in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas presented the initial designs for a new seven-storey tower to be constructed above the recently expanded emergency department.
The centrepiece of this ambitious project is a state-of-the-art operating complex featuring up to five theatres and 34 pre-operative and post-operative beds.
This expansion is expected to increase the hospital’s surgical capacity by up to 7,500 procedures annually, significantly reducing wait times for Victorians in need of medical care.
In addition to the surgical facilities, the new tower will house expanded maternity services, including upgraded birthing suites and maternity beds capable of supporting approximately 2,400 births per year.
The project also includes a new intensive care unit equipped with modern technology to cater to the hospital’s most critical patients.
The tower’s design, influenced by an ‘earth to sky’ colour palette, has been carefully crafted to integrate seamlessly with the existing hospital infrastructure and the busy Monash Medical Centre precinct.
These plans were developed in consultation with staff, patients, and visitors to ensure the project meets the needs and priorities of all users.
This expansion is part of the broader Hospital Infrastructure Delivery Fund, which has received over $1.6 billion in the Victorian Budget 2024/25.
The fund aims to redevelop three of Victoria’s busiest metropolitan hospitals, including a $275 million upgrade at the Austin Hospital and an $812.5 million redevelopment at the Northern Hospital.
The project is expected to create more than 1,500 construction jobs and support additional employment growth in the medical and associated industries.
Early works are scheduled to begin in 2025, with construction anticipated to be completed by 2029.
Minister Thomas emphasised the importance of this expansion, stating: “Monash Medical Centre is one of the busiest hospitals in Melbourne and is forecast to experience a significant increase in presentations over the next decade — that is why we are getting on with this vital project.”
Local representatives have also expressed their support for the project.
Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos highlighted the investment in local health infrastructure, ensuring the Oakleigh community can access necessary care for decades to come.
Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos assured residents that the expansion would provide further options for care, complementing the existing team of skilled healthcare professionals.
This substantial investment in the Monash Medical Centre represents a significant step forward in improving healthcare access and quality for Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, promising to meet the growing needs of the community well into the future.
