Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:52:27 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx PMH opens new ward for high-need patients http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132812 Content:

More than 1,000 children each year will benefit from the $1.9million refurbishment of Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s (PMH) ward for patients with high-level care needs.

 

Health Minister Kim Hames, who will officially re-open Ward 5A today following the nine-month refurbishment process, said the unit catered for children with some of the most complex and challenging medical conditions.

 

“This major refurbishment will allow PMH to deliver an even higher standard of care to children with very serious medical conditions and will provide an improved environment for the children, their families and hospital staff,” Dr Hames said.

 

“Ward 5A caters for children with neurological and renal disorders and those undergoing rehabilitation following head or spinal injuries, neurosurgery, cardiology and cardiac surgery.

 

“Between 1,000 and 1,200 children each year are cared for on Ward 5A and some remain on the ward for extended periods of time. These children have very high care needs and deserve the best we can provide.

 

“The new ward includes 21 beds, a school room and a big playroom that can be converted into a two-bed patient room to cope with increased periods of patient activity. 

 

“There is also a parent retreat room with a lounge, bathroom and kitchen, as well as access to additional fold-out beds for parents.”

 

PMH’s executive director, Nursing and Patient Support Services, Anne Bourke said the refurbishment was an example of PMH’s commitment to providing a world-class standard of care.

 

“The facilities have been designed around the special needs of highly disabled patients, with big spacious rooms and specialised equipment, including inbuilt ceiling hoists and adapted bathrooms,” Ms Bourke said.

 

“In addition to the enhanced facilities for patients and families, the new Ward 5A provides improved facilities for staff, including a large doctors’ room, a nursing staff room and offices for the nurse manager and clinical development nurse.”

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 22/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: Western Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;South Eastern Suburbs;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan
]]> Arbouin, Shane Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:24:54 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132812 Enhanced KEMH memorial garden to be officially reopened. http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132791 Content:

An upgraded and more spacious memorial garden at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) for bereaved families will be officially reopened today by Health Minister Kim Hames during a rededication ceremony.

 

The memorial garden was originally opened in 1989 as a site to inter the ashes of babies stillborn before 28 weeks gestation, and as a special place for bereaved families to visit and remember their loved ones.

 

Dr Hames said the memorial garden was being rededicated following a program of enhancements carried out during the past year.

 

“It is a unique place for honouring the special bond between parents and their babies,” he said.

 

“Each month, the KEMH Pastoral Care Service holds an internment of ashes service at the garden that all families who have experienced a recent loss are welcome to attend.

 

“The redevelopment has provided more space and shade for services, as well as upgrading the memorial garden’s existing features.

 

“An old boundary fence has been replaced with a more contemporary limestone wall with iron balustrade detail and the space has been redesigned to allow easier access and more seating for visitors.”

 

The Minister acknowledged the many individuals and organisations which had contributed to the redevelopment, including the Rotary Club of Matilda Bay and Lotterywest.

 

The KEMH Memorial Garden is located on the corner of Barker and Railway roads in Subiaco.

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 18/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Stratford, Pamela Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:12:03 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132791 Tenders called for construction of South-West radiotherapy centre http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132792 Content:

Tenders have been advertised today for the construction of the new radiotherapy centre to be built at the South West Health Campus in Bunbury.

 

Health Minister Kim Hames said the centre, the first of its kind in regional Western Australia, would provide state-of-the-art radiation oncology services for the majority of cancer patients in the South-West.

 

“This new centre will reduce the need for cancer patients to travel to Perth, enabling them to remain closer to their homes and the support of their families and friends,” Dr Hames said.

 

“The centre will include two radiation oncology bunkers to cater for future growth in demand.

 

“It’s expected that in the first five years of operation the centre will cater for between 350 and 400 patients a year, increasing to approximately 670 patients a year by 2021 in line with the expected growth in population.

 

“With the detailed design and documentation work now completed, tenders are being called to build the new centre.”

 

Construction is scheduled to begin in February next year and be completed by March 2011, ready for the installation and commissioning of the major radiation oncology equipment.

 

The Minister said a public tender process calling for applications from interested private providers was also currently under way for the provision of radiation oncology services at the new centre.

 

“The project is well on track and it is anticipated that the new centre will be operating by mid-2011,” he said.

 

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said the call for tenders for the construction was an exciting step in the process.

 

“Having a local centre will greatly reduce the stress and financial burden on South-West patients, allowing them to have cutting-edge treatment in a familiar environment,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

“The benefits to local patients in terms of their physical and emotional health will be immeasurable.

 

“This project was continually stalled by the previous government and is now one of the many Liberal election promises being delivered for Bunbury.”

 

For information about the development, timelines and progress of the new radiotherapy centre visit http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/swros or phone 9781 2350.

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 18/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: South West
]]> Stratford, Pamela Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:19:01 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132792 First round of after-hours general practice grants announced http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132781 Content:

Five general practitioner (GP) service providers have successfully applied for the first round of the State Government’s $8.4million Grants to After-Hours General Practice Program.

 

Health Minister Kim Hames said the first grants would extend access to GP after-hours services across the metropolitan area and take pressure off the public system.

 

“Increasing access to GPs is a critical step in providing the people of Western Australia with the best possible health care and, importantly, help ease pressure on the public system,” Dr Hames said.

 

“We received several strong applications to provide after-hours GP services in areas of unmet need and high emergency department demand, which is very encouraging.

 

“The successful applicants provided diverse models that will include an after-hours bulk billing GP home visit service; late-night weekday walk-in clinics; and partnerships between GPs and other healthcare providers.

 

“The program is an innovative way to expand the services provided by the public health system and I congratulate each of the successful applicants.”

 

The program offers GPs up to $100,000 per year to extend their services to provide after-hours GP access from 8pm to midnight, and up to $200,000 per year to extend their current services from midnight until dawn.

 

More than $780,000 has been committed to date following individual negotiations with each of the successful applicants who have each met with the Department of Health and negotiated the terms and conditions, reporting provisions and the value of grants being offered.

 

The successful applicants are:

 

·           Australian Locum Medical Service WA Pty Ltd will provide a bulk-billing, home visiting after-hours doctor service operating in the Perth metropolitan area through the night until 8am daily and will complement GPs in providing continuity of care to the community.

  

·           The GP After-Hours clinic at Bentley, under the governance of the Canning Division of General Practice Ltd, will use the grant to extend its opening hours to midnight Monday to Friday, Saturdays 2pm to 9pm and Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 9pm. This will provide greater access for the community to GPs and additionally, for ease of access, the clinic is close to a seven day-a-week chemist.

 

·           Fremantle GP Network will enhance their general practice by introducing nurse practitioners to support after-hours GPs to provide urgent and unplanned medical care in their community.  GP opening hours will extend until midnight each weekday, weekends and public holidays.

 

·           Sonseeker Doctors are a group of multilingual practitioners located in the Burswood area offering a walk-in bulk-billing service and will extend their opening hours to 9pm on weekdays and 5pm on Saturdays.  There is an option to extend their hours further in the future depending on community demand.

 

·           Scarborough Beach Medical Practice will extend their opening hours until midnight Monday to Thursday. There is also an option to extend their hours further in the future depending on community demand for after-hour services.

 

The Minister said he expected the number of practices participating in the program would increase in the next round, with up to 20 grants available in each of the three years the program was set to operate.

 

“I encourage GPs to consider applying for the next round of grants, which will be available from January 2010,” he said.

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 15/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Stratford, Pamela Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:43:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132781 Young architects and planners of the future unveil city health vision http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132770 Content:

Innovative visions of a rejuvenated Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) and inner city health precinct have earned two The University of Western Australia students well deserved recognition.

 

Health Minister Kim Hames said that Masters of Architecture student Terrina Lo and Masters of Urban Design student Xia Chen had demonstrated great innovation and flair in their design concepts for the State Government’s RPH redevelopment.

 

The students were awarded ‘Most Promising Architecture Student Design’ and ‘Most Promising Urban Design Student’, as judged by the Royal Perth Hospital Precinct Committee.

 

“I’ve been impressed by the scope and imagination of the students’ work and pleased that the display offers an opportunity to reinforce this Government’s commitment to preserving and regenerating RPH,” Dr Hames said.

 

“While these designs are concepts only, the committee will include them as part of their consideration for the future development of RPH.”

 

The concepts are part of a display showcasing the talents of 16 students in The University of Western Australia’s Masters of Urban Design courses.  The display will continue along the RPH pedestrian overpass bridge until Friday, November 20.

 

As part of their course, architecture students prepared concepts for the redevelopment of the hospital while planning students created design concepts for the wider precinct.

 

The Minister said the high standard of work bode well for the future of architecture and urban design in WA.

 

The State Government has committed to retaining Royal Perth Hospital as a 400-bed tertiary hospital offering an extensive range of services, including cardiothoracic and a major trauma unit. 

 

A precinct committee and project officer have been appointed to oversee the redevelopment process.  A master plan is expected to be completed in mid-2010, with design expected to be completed in mid-2012.  Construction is planned to start in 2014.

 

The RPH Protection Bill has been introduced into State Parliament to protect the long-term future and heritage value of the hospital and the RPH Heritage Precinct has been placed on the State Register of Heritage Places

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 12/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:37:22 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132770 Kalgoorlie Hospital tenders called http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132764 Content:

Tenders have been called today for the first phase of the main Kalgoorlie Hospital redevelopment works - the construction of a new palliative care addition.

 

Health Minister Kim Hames said this marked an important step forward in the $55.8million redevelopment project, which is on target for completion by 2013.

 

“The new palliative care addition to the existing medical ward at the hospital will include three ‘home-style’ rooms for the exclusive use of palliative care patients,” Dr Hames said.

 

“The Goldfields community can look forward to improved facilities that will greatly enhance patient privacy and comfort.

 

“Each room will have its own ensuite, private courtyard and fold-out sofa bed, allowing family, friends or carers to stay overnight with their loved ones.

 

“There will be tea and coffee-making facilities, small fridge, microwave and table, so families can sit and share a meal.

 

“In addition, a separate lounge room will be provided for use by patients and their visitors, as well as a private meeting room.

 

“The new palliative care addition will be located close to car parks with easy access for visitors.”

 

Kalgoorlie MLA John Bowler said the palliative care rooms would be a welcome addition.

 

“Those planning the redevelopment are to be commended for giving this stage a high priority because care for the most seriously ill reflects on the entire community,” Mr Bowler said.

 

The Royalties for Regions scheme has provided $15.8million towards the hospital redevelopment project.

 

Also as part of this first phase of building works, two new electrical switch rooms will be built and new electrical switch gear bought.

 

The tender period will remain open until December 9, with construction works scheduled to begin early next year.

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 11/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: Goldfields/Esperance
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:38:18 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132764 Hospital profiles Four Hour Rule program solutions http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132759 Content:

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) today showcased a number of potential solutions to long wait times in emergency departments (EDs) as part of the State Government’s Four Hour Rule program.

 

Health Minister Kim Hames, who attended the Solutions Fair at SCGH, said the potential solutions focused on streamlining hospital systems and processes.

 

“The Four Hour Rule program aims to ensure that 98 per cent of patients arriving at EDs are seen and admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours,” Dr Hames said.

 

“Staff at the first four hospitals to implement the program have been working hard to identify problems and develop possible solutions to deliver improvements for patients.”

 

Royal Perth, Fremantle, Princess Margaret and Sir Charles Gairdner hospitals commenced the Four Hour Rule program in April and all have held solutions fairs in the past month.

 

These hospitals have now moved to their ‘solutions phase’, during which they will begin to put in place improvements identified in the early stages of the program.

 

“Solutions fairs, such as today’s event at SCGH, are a great way to recognise the excellent work that has been done so far, and focus the hospital community on the significant task of achieving our Four Hour Rule program targets,” the Minister said.

 

“Many of the delays experienced by ED patients are the result of delays or blockages outside the ED, so we are working to improve processes right through the hospital, with solutions tailored to the needs of each site.”

 

One potential solution being profiled at the SCGH solutions fair is the streamlining of discharge processes. 

 

Currently patients who are ready to leave the hospital are often delayed by the wait for a doctor to authorise their discharge.  This solution would allow a patient to be discharged by a senior nurse as soon as they meet criteria set previously by the patient’s doctor, potentially dramatically reducing the length of stay and freeing up ward beds.

 

Dr Hames said previous clinical service redesign initiatives at Royal Perth, Fremantle and Sir Charles Gairdner hospitals had delivered strong results and demonstrated that significant improvements in patient waiting times were achievable.

 

“In July-September 2009, the average length of stay in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital’s ED was one hour and 20 minutes less than the equivalent period in 2008,” he said.

 

“The average length of stay in the ED for mental health patients requiring specialist toxicology services fell by three hours and 20 minutes.

 

“It’s clear there is additional capacity within our hospitals to be unlocked by streamlining systems and processes - the Four Hour Rule program is about unlocking that capacity and delivering real improvements for patients.”

 

The second stage of hospitals - Rockingham, Armadale-Kelmscott, Swan District, Bunbury Regional Hospital and Joondalup Health Campus - commenced the Four Rule program on October 26.

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 10/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:37:39 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132759 Work starts on $317million Joondalup Health Campus expansion http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132753 Content:

The $317million expansion of Joondalup Health Campus (JHC) is now under way after Health Minister Kim Hames and Ramsay Health Care chairman Paul Ramsay performed the ceremonial turning of the sod today.

 

The State Government is investing $227.4million to expand public hospital services at Joondalup, while Ramsay Health Care is spending a further $90million to increase facilities for private hospital patients.

 

Dr Hames said the expansion program would transform hospital services for the residents of Perth’s northern suburbs.

 

“We are investing almost $230million to significantly expand public hospital services at Joondalup,” he said.

 

“This investment will enable many more people from this fast-growing part of Perth to receive care at their local hospital instead of having to travel into the city.

 

“The expanded hospital will be almost twice the size of the existing facility. 

 

“By 2013, it will have 451 public beds compared with 280 at present.

 

“The new Emergency Department, which is the State’s busiest, will be 2.5 times the size of the existing department and include new state-of-the-art operating theatres.

 

“Ramsay Health Care delivers care to public patients at JHC under a long-standing and successful agreement with the Department of Health.  I am very pleased to see this partnership continuing.”

 

JHC chief executive officer Kempton Cowan said he was delighted the redevelopment had started as it was a project that had been years in the making and would be of enormous benefit to the local community.

 

“This will be a huge boost for the staff and patients of the campus and for all the people living in Perth’s northern corridor,” Mr Cowan said.

 

“The upgrade of JHC is vital to ensure the healthcare needs of our local community are met well into the future.”

 

Staged construction work will enable the existing hospital to continue to operate normally during this period and a comprehensive plan will be implemented to ensure disruption to patients is kept to a minimum.

 

“The care and comfort of patients is our primary concern,” Mr Cowan said.

 

During the coming months, building activity will increase significantly with a number of projects running concurrently, including the construction of the new public ward block, Emergency Department, car park and central energy building.

 

Key stages of the redevelopment:

 

·                61 per cent increase in bed numbers for public patients - 280 to 451 beds by 2013

·                a new private hospital

·                a new state-of-the-art Emergency Department, which will be almost 2.5 times the size of the existing department, scheduled for completion in April 2011

·                11 new operating theatres, replacing the existing six

·                by 2013, the expanded JHC will have a combined total of 536 public and private beds making it one of the biggest hospitals in Western Australia

·                an additional 20-bed dialysis service will also be established in the vicinity.

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788

Date: 9/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Stratford, Pamela Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:23:30 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132753 Release of report into St John Ambulance Service http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132755 Content:

The State Government will provide an immediate funding injection of $1.028million to the St John Ambulance Service WA (SJA) in response to the recommendations of the independent inquiry into the safety and quality of SJA’s clinical practices.

 

Health Minister Kim Hames said the funding would provide for the service’s immediate needs as identified in the inquiry report, released today.

 

“Western Australians can be assured they have a strong, high-quality ambulance service in place,” Dr Hames said.

 

“The report has endorsed the continuation of the existing service model - the provision of emergency ambulance services by an external provider - however, it also makes it clear there are a number of areas where improvements must be made.

 

“This additional money will allow SJA to employ 10 more call centre operators, 26 patient transport officers and a paramedic in Karratha during the remainder of the current financial year.

 

“This will boost capacity at SJA and improve the safety and quality of services provided to the WA community.”

 

The Minister said the report was commissioned in July to investigate the root causes of the tragic death of four patients highlighted by the ABC’s Four Corners program and present recommendations to improve clinical practices.

 

“On behalf of the State Government, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the families of the deceased patients for their co-operation with the inquiry,” he said.

 

“I would also like to thank the review chairman, Greg Joyce, and all those who have contributed to this independent review.”

 

The investigation examined systems and processes within the ambulance service and the report’s 13 recommendations are intended to strengthen SJA’s capacity and improve safety and quality for patients.

 

The recommendations cover issues related to the communication centre, clinical governance, staffing and continuing education.

 

Dr Hames said the Department of Health would immediately begin developing a business case evaluating the funds required to address the report’s other recommendations relating to additional expenditure.

 

“It is absolutely essential that we get our response to this inquiry right,” he said.

 

“The State Budget process will allow the Government to make a measured assessment of how we can deliver maximum improvements in the ambulance service in the context of our broader long-term health funding decisions.”

 

The St John Ambulance Service WA provided emergency ambulance services to 180,000 patients last year and the inquiry found that it performed very well in comparison to services in other States.

 

The need for additional ambulance services in country areas will be the subject of further assessment, as will the feasibility of introducing structured call taking in the SJA communication centre.

 

The report is available online at: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/ambulance_inquiry/ or by calling 9222 2086.

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
 
Date: 9/11/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:06:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132755 New equipment to improve patient care in Port Hedland http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132740 Content:

Pilbara residents are to benefit from new medical equipment worth $2.5million currently being installed in hospitals across the region, including Port Hedland Hospital.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls and Health Minister Kim Hames said the new equipment would give people living in the Pilbara access to high-tech diagnostic and other hospital services.

 

Mr Grylls said Pilbara hospitals - including Port Hedland - would receive the new equipment, which was funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program

 

“The rapid pace of resource development, increasing population and demand for services in the Pilbara continues to have a significant impact on its health system,” he said.

 

Port Hedland Hospital has received up-to-date emergency department (ED) monitoring equipment; a patient transport monitor; a new ECG machine; endoscopes, which will provide earlier diagnosis of bladder and stomach diseases; and a steris machine to clean the endoscopes.

 

Dr Hames said the central monitoring system for the emergency department would help clinicians with patient assessment and monitoring by identifying changes in a patient’s condition.

 

“The patient transport monitor is a mobile unit that monitors vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature and can be used for adults, children and babies,” he said

 

“It gives an early indication of patient declining condition, which is very useful when monitoring people with altered levels of consciousness.”

 

Also arriving in the next few weeks will be new theatre instruments, including an orthopaedic drill and ENT microscopes, a fast scanner and other equipment.

 

Dr Hames said modern equipment would enable medical, nursing and imaging staff to provide the best possible health services for people who live and work in the Pilbara.

 

”Having access to this high-tech equipment is a great recruitment tool as doctors, nurses and imaging staff prefer to work where equipment and facilities are contemporary, modern and easy-to-use,” he said.

 

Mr Grylls said local staff had been closely consulted in identifying where the medical equipment funding was most needed.

 

“An important aspect of all funding from Royalties for Regions is the emphasis on local decision-making by the people who live and work in the region,” he said.

 

The Royalties for Regions scheme is also providing an additional $32.964million under a new partnership with industry which, through the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Pilbara Industry’s Community Council (PICC), is contributing $5.28million into the region over the next three years. This will further assist in funding urgently needed services and equipment.

 

The State Government has also provided $10million for a package of urgent upgrades to health services and staff accommodation at Nickol Bay Hospital in Karratha.

 

Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000   

Health Minister’s office - 9222 8788

Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Grylls;Hames
Portfolio: Regional Development;Health
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:12:01 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132740