Epworth Eastern reaches new heights

Key facts:

• $162M redevelopment
• New operating theatres
• Expanded oncology suite and wellness centre

The new tower will enable us to expand the clinical services we provide including cardio-thoracic, orthopaedic and oncology services.

Epworth Eastern has reached new heights in patient care, with a 14-story tower changing the Box Hill skyline.

The new tower is a vital part of the hospital’s $162M upgrade.

Dr Lachlan Henderson, Group Chief Executive Epworth HealthCare, said the redevelopment, in partnership with the the NorthWest managed Vital Healthcare Property Trust, will enable an expansion of key services to meet the needs of a growing population in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Expanded services

“The new tower will enable us to expand the clinical services we provide including cardio-thoracic, orthopaedic and oncology services,” Dr Henderson said.

The Epworth Eastern redevelopment includes:

• 60 extra patient beds.
• A larger ICU with four additional beds.
• Extra operating theatres including a new hybrid theatre.
• A bigger, dedicated endoscopy suite.
• Expanded oncology suite with wellness centre and gym.
• Additional doctor consulting suites.
• An urgent care centre to treat minor medical and trauma injuries.

Dr Henderson said a $2M hybrid theatre will improve how cardiac and vascular procedures are performed by streamlining patient care.

“The hybrid theatre can accommodate complex surgeries, as well as robotic technology, for minimally invasive procedures.”

“When we planned for the redevelopment, we evaluated how patient care can be improved,” Dr Henderson said.

Improved cancer care

Patient welfare has driven the design of the new oncology suite.

Kerry May, Executive General Manager at Epworth Eastern, said the oncology suite includes a wellness centre and fully equipped gym to help patients as they undergo treatment.

“We have made the oncology suite a ‘one stop shop’ to support patients through their cancer care by combining treatment with physiotherapy, psychology and counselling services,” Ms May said.

“We want to make a difficult time as easy as possible. There’s good evidence on the benefits of exercise physiology in helping patients through the rigours of cancer treatment.

“The centre also has a wig salon and cooling caps to help reduce hair loss as patients go through chemotherapy”.

60 new private rooms

The extra patient beds will offer privacy, with many commanding spectacular views.

“Patients will be impressed by the new wards. Each private room has new amenities and a modern private ensuite, with many rooms capturing the incredible views of our Box Hill Gardens”

Chris Adams, Executive Director NorthWest Healthcare Properties said the new tower at Epworth Eastern is complete, including the hospital component which is now operational. The building was constructed with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable building practices.

“NorthWest specialises in the ownership, development and management of market-leading hospital, health and life sciences properties and precincts, and we are proud to make today’s announcement alongside our long-term partner, Epworth HealthCare.

“Together with Epworth, we are committed to delivering quality healthcare services for all Victorians through this $122 million (build cost) expansion, adding a new 14-level tower including six levels of medical consulting and new links to the existing medical centre and hospital. This will substantially enhance the efficiency, volume and opportunity for medical treatment of patients at Epworth Eastern,” Mr. Adams said.

The staged opening of the hospital expansion will be completed later this year.