Media Statements - Boom delivers an extra $17million for Broome Hospital

21/09/05

The State Government will invest an extra $17million to redevelop Broome Hospital into one of Western Australia’s major regional resource centres.

Health Minister Jim McGinty said a total of $42million would be spent to develop the centre of high-level clinical care in Broome.

“This is a significant investment that will increase access to health care services for people living in the Kimberley region,” Mr McGinty said.

“The regional resource centre will provide the latest clinical facilities and specialised health care closer to where people live, reducing the need for travel to Perth.”

The extra funding will allow for an expansion of the project to include the construction of a medical centre adjacent to the emergency department, which will improve outpatient services.

The redevelopment will provide 16 new acute beds, as well as new theatres, sterilisation areas, stores, kitchen and laundry facilities. There will also be upgrades to the emergency department and admissions area.

The Minister said stronger links would also be formed between country and metropolitan health services in the areas of workforce, education and training, information management and communication technology.

“These links will give regional health professionals faster and direct access to the expertise of clinical specialists from Perth’s tertiary hospitals, such as diagnostic and treatment options, which will improve outcomes for regional patients,” he said.

Other key areas that will be improved in the next five years include:

ongoing expansion of the clinical workforce in regional resource centres;
development of health infrastructure in regional areas;
upgrades to staff housing;
better patient transport systems; and
increased focus on aged care services.

Mr McGinty said the additional funding to redevelop Broome Hospital was part of a total rebuild of the State’s health system.

“Our booming economy means we can invest an extra $890million to build new hospitals and upgrade existing hospitals throughout WA,” he said.

Minister's office: 9220 5000