In 1889 a group of Williamstown residents held a meeting and identified a need for a local hospital.
The increasing risk of accidents from a busy port, the railway workshops and the growing industrial area of Newport, Spotswood and Footscray led to the community establishing Melbourne's first suburban public general hospital.
Over the years it has continued to grow and adapt, and Western Health is proud to have played a part in its great tradition.
| 1892 | The Mayor of Williamstown at the time, Frederick G. Woods laid the Foundation stone. The Foundation stone remains to this day. |
| 1894 |
27 July - The Minister for Defence, the Honorable R.D. Reid officially opened the hospital. July - First patient admitted to Williamstown Hospital. August - Miss Stokes appointed as Matron |
| 1911 | Male ward area was completed, increasing the beds to 18. |
| 1917 | A female ward was completed in 1917 further increasing capacity. |
| 1955 | The original maternity wing, which is now the administration area, was completed. |
| 1980 | Wards were added and the capacity reached a peak with 160 beds. |
| 1990 | Williamstown Hospital commenced the change in its services and bed configuration. Lower West Ward and Upper West Ward were completely refurbised. At the same time the community based rehabilitation unit andn the GEM ward were also built. |
| 2006 | The Lower East Ward was converted to the current Emergency Department, replacing the old ED. |
| 2010 | Wilson Renal Dialysis Unit opens. |
| 2013 | Redevelopment of the operating suite includes an additional operating room and recovery rooms. |
| 2014 | Now with over 90 beds and ambulatory services, Williamstown Hospital continues to evolve to meet the need of its community and is an integral part of Western Health. Looking to the future, work as commenced on the inpatient rehabilitation gym area, allowing the Williamstown Hospital to continue to grow and serve the community. |
