- Official opening of the redeveloped Wyalkatchem-Koorda Health Service
- Part of the biggest capital works program ever completed by the WA Country Health Service
Agricultural Region MLC Darren West, representing Health Minister Roger Cook, today officially opened the redeveloped Wyalkatchem-Koorda Health Service.
Improvements to infrastructure, along with new patient information systems and a virtual workforce provided by telehealth and emergency telehealth services combine to provide the best environment for patients and the broader community at the new health service.
The $4.2 million Wyalkatchem-Koorda Health Service redevelopment includes a new activity room, refurbished patient bathrooms, kitchens and a new verandah. A new consult room and private triage room have been created adjacent to the emergency department, where the reception and waiting room have been redeveloped.
Modern treatment areas combined with state-of-the-art internal communications, such as the introduction of a wireless network, will transform the overall experience for patients at the health service.
As well as the modern facilities, patients will benefit from enhanced clinical service access through telehealth which connects local clinicians on site with specialist support where needed, as well as reducing the need for patients to travel.
There is also a new communications room, new roof, installation of security doors and alterations to the clean utility and the staff station, plus an extensive upgrade to critical electrical, mechanical and hydraulics services.
The redevelopments are part of a $300 million capital works program that is improving capital infrastructure in 37 towns across the Wheatbelt, Great Southern, Mid-West and South-West regions. In the Wheatbelt region, Merredin, Narrogin and Northam hospitals are being redeveloped as well as upgrades to 23 small hospitals and health centres across the region.
As noted by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The Wyalkatchem-Koorda Health Service redevelopment supports the McGowan Government's vision of delivering contemporary health care in country WA.
"The refurbishments see improved access to telehealth services, including the emergency telehealth service, meaning residents can have specialist health appointments near home, reducing the need for costly and stressful travel.
"This project is a great example of the McGowan Government's commitment to investing in infrastructure to improve the delivery of health care for regional Western Australians."
As noted by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"I am pleased to have officially opened the redevelopments at the Wyalkatchem-Koorda Health Service. The upgraded infrastructure will reduce the need for country patients to travel long distances, away from home, for care.
"The redevelopments taking place across health services in the Wheatbelt are enhancing the delivery of health care to local communities."
