This week marks an important milestone for Northern Health, with the Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC) officially welcoming its first patients.

Located at Northern Hospital Epping, the ACC will provide a modern, purpose-built facility for a range of outpatient, clinical, and administrative services, enhancing the experience for patients, families and staff while supporting future service growth.

Services relocating to the new facility include:

• Specialist Clinics (including administration)
• Antenatal Clinics
• Allied Health
• Respiratory Medicine & Sleep Clinic
• Pathology
• Hospital in the Home (HITH)
• Outpatient Dialysis
• Preadmission Services

Access to the ACC is via the primary entry at Entry 4, located between Northern Hospital Epping and Pacific Epping. A pedestrian link from the ground floor of the Main Tower via Entrance 5 can also be used if already in Northern Hospital Epping.

The opening of the ACC marks the next phase of the Northern Hospital Redevelopment Project, with construction of the new Emergency Department expected to commence soon after, with anticipated completion by 2029. The new emergency department will front Cooper Street with a dedicated paediatric zone, mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub, and inpatient units and emergency observation unit in a new clinical tower.

“The successful delivery of the new Ambulatory Care Building is a testament to the expertise, professionalism and dedication of our Northern Health Capital Team, collaborating and working with the construction and project delivery teams,” said Ishmeet Singh Divisional Director Capital, Engineering, Security and Procurement.

“I would like to acknowledge the builders, contractors, consultants, engineers and Northern Health Capital Team who have worked tirelessly to deliver this outstanding facility. Your commitment to quality, safety and collaboration has ensured that we can provide a modern and functional environment that will support exceptional healthcare outcomes for years to come. Seeing the new Ambulatory Care Building come to life has been incredibly rewarding. From planning and design through to construction, commissioning and go-live, this project has been a true team effort. Thank you for your partnership and for helping turn this vision into reality.”

For Kathryn Bartho, Divisional Director NICHE and CMO Operations, the opening of our new Ambulatory Care Building is a significant milestone for Northern Health and our commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a modern and welcoming environment.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, collaboration and hard work of so many people across our service. I would like to sincerely thank every team member, clinician, support staff and project partner who contributed to bringing this vision to life. Your passion, resilience and commitment to excellence have created a facility that will benefit our patients, families and community for many years to come.”

On Sunday, Northern Health welcomed, for the first time, Premier of Victoria The Hon. Ben Carroll, to Northern Health acknowledge the completion the Ambulatory Care Centre. During the visit, Premier Carroll toured the building and met with Northern Health staff and stakeholders who were involved in the project and will work in the new building.

Featured image: Dialysis staff in the new ACC building