Royalties fund new hospital
The announcement of $31.4 million for a new hospital has put the future of Warren district healthcare in the spotlight, with promises of upgrades to services and infrastructure to replace the existing hospital.
The funding is part of a $325.8 million upgrade to hospitals and healthcare facilities across southern Western Australia, through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Health Minister Kim Hames and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman announced the funding while visiting the Warren District Hospital yesterday.
Construction on the new hospital is expected to begin in the first half of 2016 and take about two years to complete.
Dr Hames said the new hospital would be built on the Warren District Hospital site and would be a state-of-the-art facility that would bring a range of health services to the one location.
“The new hospital will include an expanded, modern emergency department, upgraded medical imaging and improved technology support for clinicians and patients, bringing 21st century healthcare to Manjimup and surrounding districts, ” he said.
“Warren District Hospital had initially been flagged to receive a $14.9 million upgrade, however, project cost savings mean the community now will benefit from a brand new facility.”
Mr Redman said the hospital’s infrastructure and services improvements would bring quality emergency care to the region.
“New and refurbished facilities often aid in attracting and retaining staff and it is hoped the Manjimup community will now benefit from a modern and more contemporary health service that will contribute to the growth of the region, ” he said.
Hospitals at Collie, Katanning, Merredin, Narrogin and Northam will also be upgraded with funding from the Southern Inland Health Initiative.
"This Royalties for Regions investment through SIHI is the biggest health investment in regional WA, ” Mr Redman said.
