March 4, 2020On Monday, Northern Health hosted the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Hon. Jenny Mikakos MP, for a ‘topping out’ ceremony of stage 2 of the Northern Hospital Epping expansion.
Welcomed by Northern Health Board Chair, Jennifer Williams AM and Northern Health Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah, Minister Jenny Mikakos said, “More and more families are calling Melbourne’s outer north home every day. That’s why we are building a bigger and better Northern Hospital to meet demand for world-class healthcare into the future.”
“We’re really pleased that the new building has reached this important milestone and look forward to opening the new facilities for our patients in 2021,” Northern Health Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah said.
To mark stage 2 works, local fundraising champion, Josie Minniti OAM, was honoured with the naming of the crane at the site. Josie was also presented with a certificate to acknowledge her tireless fundraising efforts and the contribution she has made to patients receiving treatment at Northern Health. Josie has been fundraising for over 20 years and has raised an amazing $700,000 for cancer services in Melbourne’s north.
The Hon. Mikakos MP was joined by Frank McGuire MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Medical Research and Crime Prevention, Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority staff, Northern Health Board Directors and Kane Construction staff on Level 7 of the construction site to celebrate this building milestone.
Former respiratory patient, Norma Cooper, also attended the ceremony and spoke very highly about the care and the treatment at Northern Hospital Epping.
“I had COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and was looked after by the respiratory department. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The team was amazing and I think this is the best hospital. Everything that the team here has done has helped me manage my condition,” she said.
As a local resident, Norma added that she feels very lucky to have the new development close to home and is looking forward to seeing more beds at her local hospital.
Due for completion mid-2021, Stage 2 of the Northern Hospital expansion will feature four new floors in the inpatient tower, 96 new beds, three new operating theatres, recovery spaces and a new central sterilising supply department.
Watch the below video to hear more about Josie:
