Tasmania's West Coast community can now access emergency healthcare faster than ever before with the first stage of upgrades complete at the West Coast District Hospital in Queenstown.
Jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments through a $2.75 million co-investment, the stage one redevelopment includes upgrades to the District Hospital's aged care facilities and Emergency Department (ED) entrance, ambulance bay and emergency rooms.
Improvements to the ED will mean patients can access emergency healthcare faster with an airlock and screening room at the ED entrance, a new isolation room and an upgraded emergency first response room with direct access to the ambulance bay.
The redesign provides improved patient flow and connectivity in the department, with direct access also provided from the first response rooms to the isolation room.
Stage one of the redevelopment also includes a new aged care room and ensuite in Lyell House – the District Hospital's aged care facility – which is now also open to patients.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the Tasmanian Government understands the crucial role our District Hospitals and community health centres play in delivering health services to rural and regional communities across the State.
"The completion of the first stage of upgrades at the West Coast District Hospital is great news for the West Coast community," Minister Petrusma said.
"The improvements to aged care and Emergency Department facilities will enhance the services our dedicated staff are able to provide to the people of Queenstown and surrounds.
"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, the Tasmanian Government is delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure projects across the State."
Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the Australian Government provided $1 million to support improvements to the West Coast District Hospital, including aged care and allied health facilities.
"This investment has supported the Tasmanian Government to meet the local needs of the people of Queenstown and surrounding communities through the delivery of an additional aged care room and contemporary Emergency Department facilities," Minister Butler said.
"The Australian Government is delighted that its partnership with the Tasmanian Government has resulted in improvements to better meet the needs of the community of Queenstown and surrounding areas."
The project is funded through a $2 million commitment from the Australian Government and $750,000 from the Tasmanian Government.
