Tender awarded, construction set to begin on PlusLife facility
High-tech home secures future of vital bone and tissue donor service
$10 million Liberal National Government investment
The tender has been awarded and building will soon begin on PlusLife's new bone and tissue bank in Midland's expanding health and medical precinct.
Announcing the construction go-ahead for builder PS Structures Pty Ltd today, Health Minister John Day said the Liberal National Government was proud to have contributed $10 million to secure the service's future.
"PlusLife is Western Australia's only bone and tissue bank and has changed thousands of lives around the State and across the nation," Mr Day said.
"Since it began in 1992 as the Perth Bone and Tissue Bank Inc., more than 16,000 grafts have been provided to more than 9,600 patients.
"Located adjacent to the new Midland hospital, PlusLife will be able to continue to provide essential bone and tissue transplants to patients with arthritic disease, sporting and traumatic injuries, spinal deformities and bone tumours."
Planning Minister Donna Faragher recognised the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority's role in supporting PlusLife's relocation.
"The MRA has worked closely with PlusLife, leasing them the property that has made this exciting new project possible," Mrs Faragher said.
"Establishment of this state-of-the-art facility is another important part of the Liberal National Government's bold vision to create a world-class health and education hub in Midland."
Today, two young bone graft recipients joined the Ministers on-site today to thank PlusLife for its service to the community.
"Since it began, PlusLife's value to the WA health sector has been costed at $28 million by independent consultants," Mr Day said.
"This service saves the State from having to source bone graft tissue from interstate, allows for priority allocation of graft reserves for WA patients, and ensures the availability and timely provision of bone grafts for surgical treatments."
The new facility is due for completion in December 2017.
Fact File
About one-third of PlusLife bone and tissue recipients are from WA
One tissue donor can improve the wellbeing, sight and mobility of up to 60 people
The $10 million facility will contain laboratories, clean rooms and a freezer room
Health Minister's office - 6552 6200
Planning Minister's office - 6552 5300
