Carnarvon Hospital upgrade on target

21/8/07
Work is well under way on the $2.9million stage one upgrade of Carnarvon Hospital, with the facility's new dedicated maternity area and upgraded palliative care services due for completion in December.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said a new roof on the general ward area had been completed.
"The refurbishment of this section of the hospital is now under way," Mr McGinty said.
"Part of the general ward has been gutted and is being sectioned off to create a dedicated maternity area including a new birthing suite and four single maternity rooms, and a new palliative care area with two suites.
"Each maternity and palliative care room will have its own ensuite, so the next step will be to install the new plumbing, followed by windows and electrical fittings.
"A lounge is being built nearby for maternity patients and their families and work is under way on an outside area for these patients.
"Each palliative care suite will also have its own private outdoor area and room for family members to stay overnight."
Previously the maternity area had been located in an older isolated part of the hospital. The new layout will mean that women who are experiencing difficulties have faster access to emergency intervention.
The redeveloped hospital will provide improved services for more than 8,800 people living in the Carnarvon, Exmouth, Shark Bay and Upper Gascoyne areas.
The $6million second stage of the redevelopment is scheduled to begin in 2011. Major upgrades will include a remodelling of the emergency department, population health and mental health services housed under the one roof in the main building and new on-site car parking.
The hospital's existing services will continue to operate uninterrupted during both stages of construction.
Minister's office - 9422 3000