The new $9.86 million Dongara Health Centre has reached practical completion.
The facility has been significantly upgraded and now features a brand-new, contemporary ambulatory care unit as well as new consult rooms with telehealth videoconferencing capability, a dedicated child health room, staff amenities and parking areas.
Significant work to the emergency department includes a dedicated triage reception and assessment bay, upgraded sub-waiting, treatment, consult and short stay spaces, a staff station and an ambulance bay.
The facility's residential aged care unit - known locally as Blake House - has doubled the number of available beds from six to 12 and now includes a dedicated palliative care suite.
The redevelopment - undertaken in close consultation with the local community - also allows for much improved patient flow and more efficient connections between clinical departments and administration.
Some upgrades to the residential care suites and general living environment have been supported by $780,000 from the Commonwealth Government's Multi-Purpose Service Program.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"We've invested $9.86 million to upgrade the Dongara Health Centre with world-class telehealth technology, as well as a contemporary emergency department that supports the delivery of modern emergency healthcare.
"The people of Dongara, Port Denison and surrounds have played a central role throughout this redevelopment, and I'm extremely pleased to share the news with them that we have reached practical completion.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the Shire of Irwin for their assistance in ensuring the community could access services throughout this important redevelopment."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Sandra Carr:
"The Dongara Health Centre is a vital facility for our region and these significant upgrades will ensure it meets the needs of our community."
"Importantly, the residential aged care unit now has double the number of beds and access to a palliative care suite."
