It marks a homecoming for the specialist 32-bed hospital and health service, which is a leading provider of palliative care services and the state-wide provider of specialist care and support for Victorians living with progressive neurological conditions, such as Motor Neurone Disease and Huntington’s Disease.

The integrated Calvary Kooyong precinct brings together premium retirement living in the Hyson Apartments, contemporary residential aged care in the Huntly Suites, Calvary’s in-home care, and GP and other health care services, as well as Calvary Bethlehem’s services.

Calvary Kooyong General Manager Shannon Thompson said all Calvary Bethlehem services have now relocated following the safe transfer today of hospital patients from the service’s temporary location at Parkdale.

“We are very excited to have moved back home to our original site – and into such a wonderful facility that has been designed and built to meet the needs of our patients, their families and to support our staff to provide high quality, compassionate care,” Ms Thompson said.

The new hospital includes outpatient clinic areas, education and training spaces, patient and family lounge and gardens, a day centre, and a designated area for clinical trials.

“We have long participated in clinical trials in our specialist area, but this is the first time that we have a designated area for that work,” Ms Thompson said. “The whole facility is light and airy and offers improved and contemporary amenity for our patients, their families, and for our dedicated staff.

“Plus having the hospital within the precinct means our specialist staff and services are there for the precinct’s residents if needed.”

“Calvary Kooyong has been designed to support our residents’ changing needs and enable them to live well and in place as they age. It has been a little over two years in construction and many years in the planning, and I’m immensely proud of everyone who has contributed to achieving this significant milestone.

“Calvary has a long and proud history of providing care and health services from this site. We celebrated our 80th anniversary last year and we are very much looking forward to this exciting new chapter and the evolution of the care and services we provide to our community,” Ms Thompson said.

The first aged care residents are expected to move into the Huntly Suites in a few weeks, and Hyson Apartments residents will move in from the end of January.

The local community, as well as precinct residents, will soon be able to access a number of areas and services including St Michael’s Grove public garden and courtyards, a chapel, reflective space, and café.