The $1.1 billion Frankston Hospital upgrade has hit another big milestone: the last of four tower cranes has been taken down, signalling the final stretch of major construction.
This redevelopment is the largest health infrastructure investment made in Melbourne’s south-east. Construction kicked off in March 2023, and at its busiest, the site was powered by four fully electric tower cranes running on renewable energy. Now, with the cranes gone and about 900 workers on-site, the project is on track to wrap up in 2025.
Once finished, the hospital will be able to treat 35,000 more patients every year. Key upgrades include: 130 new beds, 15 new operating theatres, a new helipad for faster emergency access, expanded maternity, obstetrics and paediatric services, a new women’s clinic and special care nursery, and a short stay unit with 13 beds for patients needing care for less than 24 hours.
Mental health services are also getting a major boost with new acute care facilities and a dedicated hub for mental health, alcohol, and drug support.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne said the hospital redevelopment will be gamechanger for families in Melbourne’s south-east with the additional capacity to treat more patients delivering faster, better care, closer to home.