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Category: Capital Projects

Victorian Heart Hospital welcomes its first ambulances

As part of our planned staged opening of the Victorian Heart Hospital, we are pleased to announce the first ambulance arrivals and commencement of inpatient services at Australia’s first dedicated cardiac facility.

Welcoming our first patients to the Victorian Heart Hospital

This morning, a proud Monash Health clinical team readied specialist clinics, diagnostic imaging, pathology and pharmacy, as we formally welcomed our first patients to the brand-new Victorian Heart Hospital (VHH).

For Ron, officially the first patient to walk through our doors, it’s an exciting moment in what has been a long healthcare journey.

‘I suffer from a condition called Thalassemia Major and I have been in the hospital system since I was three years old,’ he told us.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that is known to cause anaemia and leave those with the condition feeling fatigued. In more severe forms of the disease, it can also lead to congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms.

For Ron, receiving quality care and support throughout his journey has meant living a full life and being an active member of the community, which is something he is very grateful for.

‘My experience at Monash Health has always been a good one, I have felt cared for and like the staff really look after you. It’s always been very positive. Sometimes I almost forget that I have Thalassemia and I think that’s a good sign,’ he said.

Mareya Schmidt, the second patient of the day, shared the same enthusiasm following an echocardiogram at the VHH’s new Cardiac Imaging service.

‘I couldn’t believe I was the first person on that particular machine – I offered to autograph it for them, but they didn’t accept my offer!’ she joked.

‘The equipment looks so brilliant, right throughout the hospital, and everyone is so nice. It really makes you feel safe.’

The team were also delighted to receive positive feedback from patient Ebony Gilbert, who came to the VHH for an ultrasound of the heart as part of her regular monitoring.

‘I was born with some issues with my heart and today I came here for a check-up, just to see how things are going,’ she said.

‘This is the first time I’ve seen the new hospital, it’s such a lovely, interesting building. It feels great to be one of the first patients to see it.’