$15m Broome Hospital redevelopment officially opened [Visual]

28/7/99
Medical services have been boosted for people living in the Kimberley region following the extensive redevelopment of the Broome Hospital.
Officially opening the $15 million Broome Hospital redevelopment, Health Minister John Day said the health service could now provide better access to a wider range of services, closer to where people lived.
"The redevelopment will ensure Broome's health services can meet the increase in demand due to population growth, tourism, as well as assist the outlying communities," he said.
"The new campus delivers on the Government's commitment to provide all Western Australians with high quality medical care close to home, regardless of where they live."
Mr Day said the redevelopment project was one of the biggest regional capital works projects in the health spending area in recent years.
"In total, the State Government has directed nearly $500 million towards capital works projects in the health area since its first budget in 1993-94," he said.
The Minister said an important part of the Broome Hospital redevelopment was improved mental health services and the introduction of a renal dialysis service.
"The expansion of the mental health services is of great benefit to the local community, enabling people to be treated locally," he said.
"The new facilities, called rooming-in units, eliminate the need for people to travel as far as Perth for treatment, by providing short-term accommodation.
"From a clinical perspective it is an advantage for a person to be treated locally where they feel comfortable and relaxed, around family and friends.
"In addition, these new facilities also provide accommodation for family members if necessary."
Mr Day said as part of the State Budget the Government had allocated $500,000 to establish renal dialysis services in Broome to assist people who suffer from chronic kidney conditions receive treatment locally.
"The Broome renal dialysis unit is expected to be operational early next year and this will be the initial step in the development of a Kimberley-wide renal service," he said.
Mr Day said upgraded services and facilities at Broome Hospital include:

• emergency and outpatient areas;
• medical imaging ;
• pathology;
• allied health services;
• community health services;
• a main reception/general administration area;
• kiosk; and -
• a large new parking area and covered patient set down area.

Mr Day said the building was designed to reflect the cultural identity of Broome and the Dampier Peninsula, with the incorporation of local Aboriginal artwork.

He congratulated the Kimberley Health Service Board, the project's architects Brand Deakin, Hey/Bates Smart Architects and principal architect Mark Unger, the construction engineers Multiplex and Jaxon Constructions, and medical staff for working together to ensure minimal disruption to patients.

Media contact: Mark Thompson on (08) 9213 6600

Health Minister John Day at the opening of the new $15 million redevelopment of the Broome Hospital