The City of Casey and the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority (VHHSBA) have been working together to identify a proposed location for.
The hospital welcomed 3833 babies in 2020, while 3888 were born there in 2019.
Health services chief executive Jason Payne said Werribee Mercy Hospital’s birthing numbers had remained steady over the past two years because the birthing suites were unable to accommodate any more expectant mums.
He said at the moment, some pregnant women within the Werribee Mercy Hospital catchment are using services at public hospitals outside the area.
“The demand exists for Werribee Mercy Hospital to deliver more babies locally but this cannot occur without expanded facilities,” Mr Payne said.
“It would be preferable that local families had access to more of the best high quality and safe public birthing services at Werribee Mercy Hospital, so they don’t have to travel,” he said.
Have a say on hospital expansion
Picture: Supplied
MORE community input is being sought regarding the expansion of Frankston Hospital.
The project is ready to go, with $562 million in taxpayer funding made available for it in this year’s state budget. $16.2 million was allocated in the 2020/2021 financial year for the expansion.
The Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority has set up a second community survey to help shape the future of the project.
“We are seeking additional feedback from the local community on some of the key spaces in the redevelopment including waiting and family areas, outdoor spaces and wayfinding. Community feedback will be shared with the companies shortlisted to deliver the redeveloped hospital,” VHHSBA CEO Rob Fiske said.