Monash Medical Centre’s Clayton emergency department is getting an upgrade with a $76.3-million-dollar investment from the Victorian Government.

A Local Jobs First project, the expansion and re-development of Monash Hospital’s emergency department will deliver an additional twenty-four emergency department beds, including an extra ten short-stay beds for patients requiring extended observation and care.

This re-development will also provide a dedicated twenty-four-hour short stay health hub for alcohol, drug, and mental health patients, providing them with the support they need in times of crisis. This will ease some of the pressure from the emergency department and free up the availability of emergency staff to treat other patients. This hub will be one of the six hubs to be delivered across the state.

As part of the redevelopment, a separate children’s emergency department area will also be created, enabling children to be treated faster while receiving tailored care. As well as providing improved traffic circulation within and around the Monash Medical Centre Clayton site making it safer for patients and visitors and more accessible for ambulances in an emergency.

Earlier this year, Local Jobs First Commissioner, Don Matthews visited the Monash Clayton site and said: “This is a Local Jobs First project that will serve the community for many years to come. It is great to get a sense of how this project will be providing state-of-the-art care to emergency patients, particularly children. It is terrific to not only see the impact and benefits to the community but also to local industry.”

A great investment in Victoria’s Health infrastructure, this Local Jobs First project will also provide ongoing opportunities for local businesses across Victoria during the construction phase.

To date, there have been approximately forty-six local Victorian businesses on site, providing their goods and services on this exciting project.

One of these businesses is A&A Cabinets Impressions Group Pty Ltd (AACI) located in Thomastown. A proud family owned and operated architectural joinery manufacturer based in Thomastown, AACI will be providing a variety of joinery, along with ceiling and wall panelling, all sourced locally, which will transform the emergency department into a modern state of the art area.

Project Manager, Gavin Moore of AACI said: “We are working together to deliver this upgrade in a timely manner.  Myself, our production team and installers will be working hard to ensure the final product is of the highest standard.  Our apprentices will also be involved in the manufacture and installation, giving them the on the job training they require to develop their skills in their trade.”

This Local Jobs First project has not only been fundamental in providing opportunities for Victorian SMEs, it is also enabling opportunities for apprentices, cadets and trainees through the Major Project Skills Guarantee (MPSG).

Since construction, the project has provided employment opportunities to approximately three apprentices and one cadet, with this expected to increase over the duration of the project.

A one-of-a kind project, this Local Jobs First project is set to provide many benefits to Victoria’s local industry and community.

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