Community Benefits

The expanded facilities will provide more access for people living locally, meaning more families can access the care they need.

The new facilities will support the ongoing delivery of integrated healthcare that is family friendly, culturally safe, high quality and accessible.

A modern design and layout, including the colocation of services, will improve patient flow to deliver a better and more efficient workplace for staff and seamless care for patients.


Frances Diver

CEO

“Barwon Women’s and Children’s is the largest investment in health infrastructure in the Geelong region – ever. We know this will better meet the needs of the community providing expanded services, better services and great working conditions, which is a win for everyone in our community.”

A/Prof. David Fuller

Clinical Director, Women’s and Children’s Directorate, Consultant Paediatrician

“Barwon Women’s and Children’s is an exciting project for the women and children of our region and the staff who will work in it, as well as those referring patients to it. The new, purpose-built facilities will allow us to grow our services to meet the needs of our growing population well into the future.”

Kristy Katsambiris

Nurse Unit Manager

As someone who has worked within Barwon Health in-patient paediatrics for many years I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolving needs of our community. Expanding and enhancing our services through this project will not only bring a lot of care closer to home, it will also provide an environment where healthcare professionals can learn and grow their careers.

I feel incredibly proud and am excited to see how the Barwon Women’s and Children’s project will positively impact the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents and families in our community for years to come.

Marie Glover

Maternity Unit Manager – Maternity Ward, Postnatal Care at Home and Lactation Service

“The Barwon Women’s and Children’s project will ensure families in our region have the best facilities to match the outstanding care of our staff. Purpose-built facilities and philosophies of care will enable couples to stay together with their baby/s on the maternity ward, a parent to be with their baby for the duration of the stay in the Special Care Nursery and children and young people will be cared for in an environment that is less scary and intimidating.”

Sally Nepean

BWC Project team

“I have been privileged to work on this project over the past few years. After working for 10 years across paediatric health, I am passionate about ensuring the families of Geelong have suitable facilities for children with complex needs.

The planning of this project has taken feedback and lived experience from a wide range of consumers and carers and has ensured consultation with our clinicians to ensure our community gets the best possible health facility. Barwon Women’s and Children’s will provide a greater capacity to support the health needs of women and children across the Barwon region.”

Page last updated: May 8, 2024