Epworth Eastern turns 18

Key points

• Opened in June 2005
• Almost 600,000 patient admissions
• $162M expansion opened 2022

Epworth Eastern in Box Hill has come of age.

Since the hospital opened in June 2005, almost 600,000 patients have been admitted to Epworth Eastern.

The hospital was established to meet the demand for oncology, cardiac and critical care services from a growing population in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

In 2022, a $162M expansion of Epworth Eastern was completed, which included the construction a new 14-story tower. This redevelopment provided an additional 60 patient beds, a larger intensive care unit, extra operating theatres and a $2M hybrid theatre for expanded cardiac and vascular procedures.

More than 45 of the hospital’s original staff still work at Epworth Eastern today.

Pauline Fogarty, acting Executive General Manager, Epworth Eastern, said the longevity of staff is testament to their dedication.

“We have a wonderful team at Epworth Eastern and they love caring for their patients,” Ms Fogarty said.

“There is such a good feeling among staff and it was wonderful to mark our 18th birthday with a celebration.”

Clinical Nurse Specialist Erin Ritchie has been at Epworth Eastern since day one. She now works in the expanded Day Oncology unit.

“I started working on a ward but I have been in Day Oncology for about eight years. I love it,” Erin said.

“Everyone in the team is great to work with and you get to know patients really well, as we see some of them twice a week.”

With the redevelopment, the Day Oncology unit expanded to include a wellness centre, offering services such as a wig salon and beautician treatments for patients who can receive manicures, pedicures and massages.

“No one wants to be coming into Day Oncology. It’s important to help patients feel good while they are having their chemotherapy,” Erin said.