Footscray has acknowledged strengths in the health sector, anchored by the Western Hospital. The presence of this vital facility is important for community wellbeing and provides direct and indirect employment opportunities. In addition, the growing demand for health services provides opportunities for sector growth and expansion.
There are major public and private hospital infrastructure servicing Melbourne’s north and western region in the area. This major infrastructure is important for community wellbeing and also provides a number of employment opportunities and opportunities for health care and associated industry in the area.
Anchored by the Western Hospital, Maribyrnong provides health services to the broader Western region, with a catchment of 650,000 people. Western Health employs 4,500 across three public hospitals (i.e. Sunshine, Footscray and Williamstown) as well as other healthcare facilities. Locally, the Western Hospital employs roughly 2,000 people. Services include emergency, medical, surgical, aged care and rehabilitation services as well as numerous specialty services such as women and children’s health, maternity and a variety of mental and physical health services.
There are also a number of community and social service organisations that are active in Footscray to service local needs. Many of these organisations use Footscray as an operating base for the Melbourne’s West region.