PATIENTS at the redeveloped Peninsula University Hospital were successfully transferred to the new 12-storey building last week, with the first baby born in the maternity and birthing suite on the morning of 20 January.
More than 200 patients were moved from the former Frankston Hospital building into the new 12-storey Peninsula University Hospital clinical tower on 20 January. Patients began to be moved at 7.30am, and the first surgical procedure and birth each took place in the new building before 10am.
Carmen Simpson, the mother of the first baby born in the new tower, is a Peninsula Health staff member. She said “we were expecting to deliver in February so being the first patient in Peninsula University Hospital was amazing.”
“The move was all very organised, everyone was fantastic. The new hospital is just so beautiful. There are really nice views, even being in the new birthing suites was a really nice calming experience,” she said. “We’re very, very lucky to have great health service.”
The parents and baby are now recovering well.
The redeveloped Peninsula University Hospital adds another 130 beds. It also features 15 new surgical theatres, and expanded maternity, mental health, oncology, and children’s services. A new dedicated paediatrics area and mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub is included in the refurbished emergency department. Helen Cooper, chief executive of the newly renamed Bayside Health Peninsula Care Group, said “the smooth move of our patients and consumers into the new Peninsula University Hospital is a testament to the wonderful dedication, professionalism and expertise of the team in Frankston.”
“This is a proud and exciting moment for our staff, patients, volunteers and the local community,” Cooper said.
Bayside Health Peninsula Care Group chief operating officer Jana Gazarek said “many hours of detailed planning have gone into ensuring the safety and continuity of care for our patients as we completed the move into the new hospital. I would like to thank all our staff and volunteers involved in the move, as well as our patients and community for their patience and understanding while we have undertaken this significant and very positive change.”
First published in the Mornington News – 27 January 2026
