Media Statements - Boom delivers an extra $6.8million for Albany Hospital

21/09/05

The State Government will invest an extra $6.8million to redevelop Albany Hospital into one of Western Australia’s major regional resource centres.

Health Minister Jim McGinty said a total of $26.8million would be spent to develop the centre of high-level clinical care in Albany.

“This is a significant investment that will increase access to health care services for people living in the Great Southern 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 redevelopment will include the upgrade of theatres, sterilisation areas, delivery suite and maternity ward and high dependency unit, as well as the remodelling of the emergency department and admissions area.

A new day surgery facility will be constructed and additional mental health beds will be provided. There will also be major improvements to engineering facilities such as heating, cooling and fire services.

Mr McGinty 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 Albany Hospital was part of a $3.6billion 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 across the State,” he said.

Minister's office: 9220 5000