New Footscray Hospital Opening Date Announced
Western Health is delighted to share that the Minister for Health, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, has confirmed the new Footscray Hospital will open on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
A Major Milestone for Melbourne’s West
This exciting milestone represents the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and dedication by countless people across Western Health and our partners. Together, we have created a world-class facility that will deliver the very best care to the communities of Melbourne’s west.
Preparing for a Safe and Seamless Transition
Extensive planning and readiness activities are underway to ensure a smooth and safe transfer to the new hospital. On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, the first patient transfer will take place at 7.30am, with the final patient expected to arrive at our new Footscray Hospital by 7pm.
The transitioning phase is now well advanced, with operational simulations, testing, and comprehensive staff training in progress. By the end of this period, more than 4,500 staff will have completed onsite training – ensuring we are ready to provide exceptional care from day one.
A Momentous Project
The new Footscray Hospital is a transformational project that will shape the future of healthcare in Melbourne’s west for generations to come. Western Health acknowledges and thanks our staff, partners and community for their contributions to this milestone project.
Key Information
Location
The new Footscray Hospital is located at 89 Ballarat Road. Access to the public car park and main entrance is at this address.
Contact
All existing landline phone and fax numbers will remain the same. Main reception phone: 03 8345 6666
Emergency Department
In an Emergency: Please call 000.
At 8am on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, the current Footscray Hospital Emergency Department (ED) will close to new patients. From 8am, anyone requiring emergency care should go directly to the new Footscray Hospital ED at 20 Geelong Road. A vehicle drop-off zone is clearly signed in front of the ED entrance.
Public access on Wednesday, 18 February 2026
The safe transfer of patients from the original Footscray Hospital to the new hospital is paramount on patient move day on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Therefore, we kindly ask that members of the public do not visit either hospital on this day, unless they require emergency care.
Urgent Care Services
When you need urgent healthcare now, but it's not life-threatening, and you can't wait to see your GP, help is available. Visit, ring or video call Victoria's free urgent care services.
Patient Transfer
The safe transfer of patients is our highest priority.
We will communicate directly with immediate families about the arrangements for transferring patients. Additionally, to support a safe move for staff and patients, visitation restrictions will be in place at both the original and the new hospital on patient move date.
Western Health New Footscray Hospital Community Open Day
Our local communities will have the opportunity to come and view and celebrate the new Footscray Hospital at a Community Open Day before the opening and patient move day on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Join the mailing list
Please register your details on the new Footscray Hospital mailing list if you wish to receive updates from Western Health on the hospital opening.
Updates will include details for the Western Health Community Open Day for the new hospital, which is being planned for early 2026. This will be held before the hospital opens to patients on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
We look forward to welcoming patients, staff, and the community to the new Footscray Hospital – a symbol of excellence, innovation, and care for Melbourne’s west.