11/11/05
The State Government will build a new state-of-the-art general hospital on the site of the old railway workshops in Midland.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said the Government had allocated $182.7million for the construction of a 326-bed hospital by 2010-11.
Mr McGinty said the new hospital to be built on the Clayton Street site would replace the old Swan District Hospital and become one of Perth’s four major general hospitals.
“A new general hospital in the centre of Midland is a major economic and health care boost for the people living in the eastern suburbs,” the Minister said.
“The new hospital will have a 24-hour emergency department and critical care unit and provide a comprehensive range of medical services including orthopaedics, general surgery, day surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics and maternity services.
"The birthing and delivery facilities at the hospital will be first rate and become the main centre for maternity services in the eastern metropolitan region.”
Bed numbers at the new hospital will be boosted from 326 in 2010-11 to 334 in 2015 and 450 beds in the longer term.
Acute mental health bed numbers will also be increased from 41 beds currently at Swan District to 51 and rehabilitation beds will be doubled from 24 to 48 beds.
Mr McGinty said the decision to build a new hospital, rather than redevelop the existing Swan District facility, was made after extensive consultation with key stakeholders.
The Minister said an assessment of the Swan District Hospital found that about half the existing infrastructure was beyond its use-by date.
“Building a new hospital will give us better designed facilities for patients and staff and provide a safer clinical environment,” he said.
Midland MLA Michelle Roberts said the site for the new hospital was closer to the Midland transport hub, so it would be more accessible for patients and staff.
“A new general hospital, located in the heart of Midland, is not only a major bonus to providing world class health care to the local community, but is also an important boost to the local economy,” Mrs Roberts said.
“This new hospital will re-establish Midland as a pre-eminent regional centre.”
Mr McGinty said construction of the new hospital was expected to start in 2008.
“Medical services at Swan will continue to be maintained and upgraded where necessary until the new Midland hospital opens its doors so patient care is not disrupted in any way,” he said.
“The new hospital in Midland is part of a total rebuild of the State's health system made possible by our booming economy.
“We have a 10-year health blueprint, with a massive $3.6billion capital works program for hospitals right across the State.
“The Gallop Government is committed to improving the quality of services to all Western Australians wherever they live.”
Minister's office - 9220 5000
