Call for new private health services at Armadale's Health Service

The State Government is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from private companies to establish new private health services to complement the existing public Armadale Health Service.

Health Minister Kim Hames said introducing private health services to the Armadale-Kelmscott region would be a huge benefit to the local community and its residents.

"Private health services on site at Armadale Health Service would allow patients and their families convenient access to an increased range of services closer to home and allow the private and public health services to work more closely together," Dr Hames said.

"This would complement our already-existing public services that currently care for people who live locally. All public services will be retained."

Private patients have some access to private health services in the Galliers wing of the Armadale Kelmscott Memorial Hospital (AKMH) currently. If the EOI process is successful, a private provider would offer services alongside public health services either in the Galliers wing or from newly constructed, privately owned facilities on site.

"Having private health service facilities located on the Armadale Health Service campus will also prove beneficial to the AKMH, as it will provide a competitive 'edge' needed in attracting and retaining medical specialists, as well as further improving medical education and training," the Minister said.

Submissions from private providers will need to outline how their services will support AKMH to meet the expected increase in demand for health services in the Armadale-Kelmscott region, align with and enhance the range of health services available and integrate with the existing facilities at the site.

The deadline for expressions of interest is April 28, 2010 with a State Government decision expected to be made in the second half of 2010.