Better emergency care for kids at Maroondah
by JAMES POYNER
22nd June 2026
A DEDICATED children’s emergency department (ED) at Maroondah Hospital will begin construction in 2027.
A joint project between the State and Federal Governments, the $20 million investment will allow for more specialised paediatric emergency care in the outer eastern suburbs.
The Victorian Minister for Health Infrastructure, Melissa Horne, said she knows taking your kids to the ED can be scary.
“Which is why we are making it easier for families in the outer east to get the emergency care they need.”
Early works are already underway to relocate the current emergency department administration area.
A specialist team is developing the design to create a space on the hospital’s ground floor where children can be triaged separately.
“As more young families choose to call Melbourne’s east home, we are investing in a new children’s emergency department to look after our kids when they need it most,” said Matt Gregg MP, Federal Member for Deakin.
The new children’s ED at Maroondah is part of a $102.4M program to build new children’s emergency departments across Victoria.
Other hospitals in the program are:
- Northern Hospital in Epping
- Frankston Hospital
- Casey Hospital in Berwick
- University Hospital Geelong.
Hospitals can often be a daunting place for children, and the new ED will be specifically designed to provide a dedicated, calming space for families.
“This investment means families in Melbourne’s outer east can get their kids the specialised emergency care they need, closer to home,”
said Member for North Eastern Region Sonja Terpstra.
For a number of years, the community has been calling for better specialised paediatric care in Melbourne’s suburban hospitals, with some taking the matter into their own hands.
The Mountain to Melbourne charity ultramarathon was set up to specifically raise funds for paediatric care and support for Eastern Health Hospitals.
Event founder and ultrarunner Emma-Rose Parsons told the Bulletin she welcomed the announcement of a dedicated Children’s Emergency Department at Maroondah Hospital.
“We recognise the significant impact that accessible, child-centred healthcare can have during times of crisis.
For many children, particularly those who are neurodivergent, disabled, anxious or experiencing sensory sensitivities, emergency departments can be overwhelming environments.
The inclusion of dedicated paediatric spaces, separate triage areas, and low-stimulation design features represents an important step in supporting our local kids, in local hospitals.”
Ms Parsons added that community fundraising continues to play an important role in enhancing services, supporting families, and helping ensure that children receive the care they need when they need it most.
Mountain to Melbourne returns in October 2026, raising funds to support kids receiving paediatric care at Eastern Health hospitals.
