By Goya Dmytryshchak
Work has started on the new “heart” of Williamstown Hospital after much love from the local community.
Preparatory work began this week ahead of construction starting in October on the $2.5million hospital redevelopment.
Donors have fully funded the upgrade through the Western Health Foundation’s Heart of Williamstown appeal launched three years ago.
Unlike most hospitals, Williamstown’s, which opened in 1894, lacks outdoor spaces for patients and visitors.
The upgrade includes a new facade and a community hub in the heart of the hospital, with courtyards and gardens for patient rehabilitation and exercise.
The foyer will be transformed into a vastly expanded visitor and patient lounge area with a covered walkway to the hospital cafe.
Founding member of the appeal fundraising committee George Kallifidas said Williamstown would benefit from the work being done.
“Growing up in Williamstown and now raising my family here, I have a lot of strong memories of our hospital,” he said.
“I was really excited to be part of the fundraising committee and couldn’t be happier that this project is getting under way.
“A lot of locals have played a role in making this upgrade a reality and as a community we should all feel proud.”
Western Health Foundation director Julia White said it had been terrific working with so many Williamstown locals to fund the project.
“From appeal patron Steve Bracks to our hospital volunteers in the op shop on Ferguson Street, everyone has enthusiastically gotten on board,” she said.
“It’s high time that the hospital saw the love and this redevelopment will deliver it in spades.”
The upgrade, which will be done with minimal disruption to normal hospital operation, should be finished in mid-2020.
Former Victorian premier and Williamstown resident Steve Bracks is the appeal’s patron.
