Work starts on $10million health facility in Morawa

17/04/07
Construction has begun on a new $10million health facility at Morawa which will provide increased services for people living in the town along with Perenjori, Latham and surrounding communities.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said builders Cooper and Oxley Pty Ltd had been awarded the tender to build the new Morawa Perenjori Multi Purpose Service adjacent to the existing hospital site.
"I am pleased that the site works for this purpose built facility are now under way," Mr McGinty said.
"The careful planning of the past few years will now be put to use with the development of a modern and well-equipped health facility.
"After much community consultation, it was decided that acute health services and residential aged care services would be combined under the Morawa Perenjori Multi Purpose Service.
"Aged and other health services will be located under one roof, allowing staff to work closely with other medical professionals from a range of different specialties," he said.
"It also will enable aged care residents to have close links with hospital services, providing continuity of care and quick and easy access to a range of specialist and allied health services.
"Since the project was announced, the communities of Morawa and Perenjori have established closer ties and now share a doctor for the first time in many years."
The Minister said the new facility would give locals access to 24-hour emergency care, as well as aged care accommodation for up to 10 residents.
"A day centre for the elderly and Home and Community Care services such as personal care, transport, home maintenance, centre-based day care and meals on wheels will also be offered through the new facility," he said.
In addition, the centre will include:

• four beds for short-term acute or post-acute care patients;
• one multipurpose bed for respite, acute or palliative care; and
• therapy services, health promotion programs and community and child health.

Mr McGinty said an extra $1million had been added to the budget to cover increased building costs.
The facility is expected to be completed in mid-2008.
Mid-West Minister Kim Chance said the health facility was a vital piece of infrastructure for the Mid-West and an example of the State Government's coordinated approach to improving services in the region.
"The State Government is ensuring regional Western Australia receives its fair share," Mr Chance said.
"This important investment will increase access to health care services for local people and may help attract medical staff to the area."
"The Carpenter Government is making decisions for the future. The Premier is using our strong economy to deliver better services to our regions."
The State Government is committed to providing first-class health care to all Western Australians, no matter where they live, and this project is part of a $600million capital investment in country health services over the next six years.
Health Minister's office - 9422 3000
Mid-West Minister's office - 9213 6700