New health centre opens in Shark Bay

20/8/07
A new $3.7million health centre has given local people, and the thousands of tourists who visit Denham and the Shark Bay area each year, access to a modern, purpose-built facility.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said the Silver Chain Shark Bay Health Centre replaced the old fibro nursing post that was originally built in 1959.
"The centre provides primary care for the area's growing population, as well as catering for the 150,000 tourists who visit Shark Bay each year," Mr McGinty said.
"The extra consulting space in the new centre will offer more effective community care, allowing several health care practitioners to now operate at the same time."
Services at the new centre include:

• seven-day a week, 24 hour a day emergency care nursing service, with back-up telephone support provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service doctors at Carnarvon and Geraldton Hospitals;
• two-day a week doctor clinic;
• five-day a week outpatient clinic nursing service;
• community nursing and aged care services such as palliative nursing care, domestic assistance, personal care and home maintenance;
• health promotion and school health programs; and
• visiting child and allied health services, including developmental screening and child immunisations.

Regular visiting services to Shark Bay include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, dietician services, diabetes education and mental health services. A regular optometrist service would be the first new service to use the centre.
The centre includes a family room that offers privacy and comfort for anxious and bereaved family members.
North West Coastal MLA Fred Riebeling said the new centre was a welcome addition to the community.
"The facilities will also be available for use as a venue to conduct training, community health and lifestyle education sessions, community meetings and small seminars," Mr Riebeling said.
"I would like to thank Silver Chain for its commitment to Shark Bay, where it has provided health care for more than 45 years.
"This centre is a testament to that commitment and the support Silver Chain has received from the local community."
The State Government contributed $2.2million towards the project, in addition to annual funding of approximately $450,000.
Lotterywest, the Gascoyne Development Commission, Department of Transport and Regional Services, Shire of Shark Bay, Silver Chain and the community provided the additional funds for the centre.
Minister's office - 9422 3000