EXCLUSIVE: Early designs for Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment revealed

Health Minister Martin Foley today exclusively revealed plans for a new off-site supply and logistics centre for the hospital.

The new Regional Logistics Distribution Centre will support more than 50 health providers across the region as part of the $384 million upgrade.

The two-storey facility will include a modern healthcare supplies warehouse and commercial laundry and linen service - freeing up space at Warrnambool Base Hospital for construction of the planned multi-level hospital tower.

South West Healthcare acting chief executive Jamie Brennan said it marked the completion of the design phase of the project.

"The centre is a critical part of our organisation, employing over 50 staff who provide essential laundry and healthcare supply services throughout the south-west region," Mr Brennan said.

"For SWH this isn't just the first step in a larger re-development project; the delivery of a modern, technologically advanced laundry, healthcare warehouse and logistics facility creates an incredible asset that will support our staff to deliver services to meet the growing demand for healthcare in our region."

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The early design of the RLDC on Cooper Street in the city's industrial estate was led by architects Silver Thomas Hanley and engineering consultants Lehr Consultants International.

Construction of the RLDC is expected to start in late 2022, with early works on the main redevelopment beginning in early 2023 and major works starting in mid-2024.

The hospital redevelopment will deliver a new multi-level tower, providing a bigger emergency department, more operating theatres, an extra 22 inpatient beds and dedicated areas for pathology services and dialysis. A dedicated paediatric unit will provide specialised care to children and young people.

The redevelopment is expected to be finished in late 2026.

"The redevelopment of Warrnambool Base Hospital is the biggest rural health infrastructure upgrade in Victoria and it is great to see this important part of the project progressing so well," Mr Foley said.

"This new state-of-the-art centre will provide valuable medical supply services and provide vital support to health services in Victoria's south-west."