The new Footscray Hospital is open. The purpose‑built, modern facility is designed to meet the growing needs of communities across Melbourne’s west, now and into the future.
Located close to central Footscray and next to Victoria University, the hospital brings health, education and research together in one place.
Run by Western , the new hospital includes:
- An expanded emergency department with a new mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub.
- State-of-the-art clinical and surgical spaces, including operating theatres, procedural suites and medical imaging.
- Teaching, training and research facilities to support the future health workforce.
- Improved access, including new parking and transport links.
- A design shaped by community input, featuring natural light, sustainable materials and inviting outdoor spaces.
New Footscray Hospital is one of the state’s largest ever health infrastructure projects. In the centre of the hospital campus is a large green outdoor space. In the surrounding buildings there is a pharmacy, cafes, a health club, childcare, a community space and shops, including a general store and a gift store.
Care closer to home
The hospital has been built with room to grow so it can treat more patients over time. When it is fully operational, it will have:
- more than 500 inpatient beds
- space to treat 15,000 more patients each year
- room for 20,000 extra emergency department visits every year
This will help reduce pressure on nearby hospitals and improve wait times.
Using the new Footscray Hospital
Most of the health services are accessed with a referral from a doctor or healthcare provider. For life-threatening emergencies, the expanded emergency department is always open. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, when you can't wait to see a doctor, you can use Victoria's urgent . These services are free, fast, and help you avoid waiting in the Emergency Department.
Innovating and improving care
New features in the hospital allow for better care, such as the Emergency Department’s mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) hub. This is part of a statewide plan to support vulnerable people when they need it most.
Emergency departments can feel overwhelming for patients experiencing mental health, alcohol or other drugs challenges. The hub provides a calm and comfortable space. People will be connected to specialist care to help them get the right support sooner.
Planning the move
Up to 180 patients transferred to the new hospital in a carefully planned one-day move. Western Health planned and practiced the move to make sure patients received high-quality care throughout. This included:
- 4,500 staff being trained and learning to use the new hospital’s advanced features and technologies.
- around 200 specialised staff participating in clinical simulation exercises to test critical care processes in the new hospital.
- over 400 patient care spaces – from consulting rooms to intensive care areas – being carefully stocked and prepared.
- a mock move day in December to ensure the smooth transition on February 18, 2026.
Find out more about the new Footscray and the project to build .
Reviewed 17 February 2026