Patients and staff in the Wheatbelt are celebrating the improvements to their local health services today at the official openings of the redeveloped Merredin Health Service and the new Mukinbudin Health Centre.
Both sites have been officially opened by Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham, representing the Minister for Health.
The upgrades and construction are part of a $1.5 billion infrastructure modernisation program being delivered by the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) to improve health services across regional Western Australia.
At the Merredin Health Service, the heritage façade of the former 1970s hospital was retained as part of the $23.8 million redevelopment.
It has been combined with new features such as a state-of-the-art emergency department with a separate ambulance entrance.
The new ambulatory care building within the Merredin Health Service means that all of the health services, including public health and mental health, are now conveniently located under one roof.
Upgrades have also been completed within the medical imaging area, sterilising services, administration areas, the kitchen and laundry.
The new $3.7 million Mukinbudin Health Centre offers increased space and flexibility for visiting health professionals who can utilise three multipurpose consult rooms and a treatment room, all of which are telehealth enabled.
The Mukinbudin Health Centre offers an additional benefit to the community by providing secure, after-hours access to a meeting room at the front of the centre which can be used for meetings and health education sessions.
The ICT improvements at both sites mean the Mukinbudin Health Centre has become the first WACHS facility connected with wireless NBN.
Telehealth services have been expanded to ensure staff have access to specialist staff to support their work.
This along with improvements to infrastructure and new patient information systems combine to provide the best care for country communities.
The Merredin Health Service redevelopment project budget is $23.8 million, with $15.58 million contributed through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program. Mukinbudin Health Centre is entirely funded by the Royalties for Regions program.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The McGowan Government is committed to investing in infrastructure to improve the delivery of health care for regional Western Australia.
"Projects such as these are vital components in the complex network of services we deliver as we strive to ensure our country communities continue to thrive.
"In delivering these state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, what we are really delivering is peace of mind for Wheatbelt families who will receive top quality care closer to home and their loved ones."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham:
"I am pleased to have officially opened the redevelopment of the Merredin Health Service and the new Mukinbudin Health Centre.
"At both WA Country Health Service sites, the modern facilities on offer will provide the community with contemporary services and ensure staff are well equipped to care for generations of people into the future."
