Inside Liberals’ mammoth hospital plan

Victoria’s Opposition Leader has revealed an ambitious plan to transform Geelong’s healthcare offerings, four weeks out from the state election.

Matthew Guy made the announcement on Thursday morning, detailing how his government would build a new women’s and children’s hospital for the city if elected.

Mr Guy also promised to install a new 800-space carpark for both staff and patients at University Hospital and to commission a feasibility study into a new second hospital to service the area.

He said the project would be funded by redistributing money from the government’s suburban rail loop.

“As Premier, my first priority will be to fix the health crisis and ensure all Victorians can get the healthcare they deserve,” Mr Guy said.

“We will do this by reprioritising the $35 billion Cheltenham to Box Hill rail line, and instead, will invest in vital health care projects such as this suite of solutions for Geelong.”

Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the Liberals were focused on amending the health crisis in Victoria if elected.

“Our plan isn’t just about new and upgraded hospitals, but also supporting and growing our dedicated workforce,” Ms Crozier said.

The state government committed more than $500 million to deliver new and expanded women’s and children’s services in Geelong earlier this year.

This would result in new facilities built within the University Hospital Geelong precinct and would house a new children’s inpatient unit.

A new neonatal and patient care unit, specialist outpatient clinics and four new operating theatres were also part of the plan.

The works are expected to begin at the end of 2022.

It came after NSW Liberal Premier Dominic Perrottet met with Victorian Labor leader Daniel Andrews across the border in Albury on Thursday.

The duo was there to announce both states will fund a $558 million redevelopment for the Albury Base Hospital.

Facilities will be bolstered by $225 million from each state in addition to the $108 million already invested by the NSW and Federal governments.