Upper Ferntree Gully’s Angliss Hospital has officially reopened its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ahead of schedule, bringing relief to the community after Star Mail highlighted widespread concerns when the closure was announced in January.
Originally scheduled to reopen in August, the unit resumed full service on 30 June, well ahead of plan.
The ICU was temporarily closed on 3 March to facilitate the progression of stage two of Eastern Health Angliss’ redevelopment project.
Eastern Health acting executive director clinical operations, associate professor, Evan Newnham, said the ICU’s return was a vital step forward for the hospital.
“The reopening of the Angliss ICU significantly enhances our ability to respond to patient deterioration on-site and better support the increasing complexity of surgical care,” Mr Newnham said.
“It represents a vital step in delivering high acuity care closer to home for our community alongside the ongoing development of the expansion site.”
Throughout the closure, Eastern Health implemented a carefully designed model of care to maintain patient support, with appropriate cases redirected to Box Hill and Maroondah campuses.
The safety and wellbeing of staff, patients and the broader community remained the top priority during the construction phase.
Monbulk Member Daniela De Martino MP welcomed the news and reaffirmed that the ICU closure had always been a temporary and planned measure.
“I’m delighted to welcome the reopening of the Angliss Hospital ICU. Despite commentary by some, this was always a carefully planned and temporary measure, introduced to support essential building works on the new multi-storey development to take place, whilst ensuring patient safety,” Ms De Martino said.
“I thank Eastern Health and all involved for managing patient care throughout the process.”
With the ICU now back in operation, the Angliss Hospital is set to continue providing critical care closer to home, an outcome that signals progress not only in construction but in restoring confidence among the community it serves.
