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First look at new Footscray Hospital

Final preparations are underway at the new Footscray Hospital ahead of its official opening next month.

The new hospital, located at 89 Ballarat Road, will open for patient care at 8am on 18 February 2026.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the new Footscray Hospital was one of the largest health infrastructure projects in Victoria’s history and would transform health care in Melbourne’s west.

Once fully operational, the new Footscray Hospital will have more than 500 beds – an increase of 200 beds – to treat approximately 15,000 additional patients and 20,000 extra emergency department presentations each year.

Western Health chief executive Professor Russell Harrison said the new hospital was more than just a large piece of health infrastructure.

“First and foremost, it’s a first-class hospital that will allow us to provide exceptional healthcare for our community, but it’s also going to be a landmark and cultural hub for Footscray and Melbourne’s west,” Professor Harrison said.

“A number of inviting community spaces have been built into the precinct, including the beautiful Village Green in the centre of the site and the retail offerings around it.”

Ahead of the Footscray Hospital Community Open Day on Sunday 1 February, Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski was given an exclusive tour of some of the main public spaces at the new hospital.

Tickets for the hospital open day have been fully allocated.

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