Footscray Hospital enters next phase ahead of 2026 opening

Specialised staff will participate in 26 exercises to test critical care procedures.

Australia’s $975.8m (A$1.5b) Footscray Hospital is entering its next phase of preparation ahead of its February 2026 opening.

More than 4,500 staff will undergo 22,000 hours of training to familiarise themselves with the hospital’s new technologies and systems.

This includes 200 specialised staff who will participate in 26 clinical simulation exercises to test critical care procedures within the facility.

In addition, over 4,000 pieces of clinical and operational equipment will be relocated to the new site in a staged process to minimise disruption and ensure departments are ready to operate without delay.

A team of 10 pharmacists will conduct more than 1,200 hours of preparation to order, install, and stock medications in the central pharmacy.

Meanwhile, 180 rooms will be stocked with medical supplies ahead of the opening.

A$1 = $0.65