Australia's Victorian Government has announced that work on the new children’s emergency department (ED) at University Hospital Geelong is now complete.

The facility has been established to increase access to 'world-class' healthcare services for residents of the Bellarine, Geelong and Surf Coast regions.

Developed with an investment of around A$20m ($13.4m), the ED is intended to help healthcare professionals, doctors and nurses at University Hospital deliver specialised paediatric emergency care.

It is designed to handle increasing patient volumes and offers a 'dedicated and calming' space for families and children, as hospitals can be intimidating environments for young patients.

The ED features 28 specialised treatment areas with eight short-stay beds and two fast-track beds, as well as newly added treatment rooms, a distinct paediatric triage, support spaces, and a waiting area.

The project's final phase added clinical areas to the ED and redesigned its main drop-off point.

Victoria Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said: “This is a critical project for children and families across Geelong – it will help to meet growing demand in the region while ensuring care is delivered in a friendly environment for kids.”

The project was carried out jointly by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), Kane Constructions and Barwon Health.

The initiative created nearly 60 jobs at its peak and is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance emergency care for children at some of the state’s busiest hospitals.

It came after the government allocated more than A$500m in its 2022/2023 Budget for developing the flagship Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

According to the Victorian government, the Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital will be integrated into the existing University Hospital, adding women’s health, maternity and paediatric facilities to the region’s healthcare services to meet regional demand.