$3 million Budget boost to Kalbarri health services

21/4/97

Work is expected to begin mid-year on a new $3 million multi-purpose health centre in Kalbarri, Health Minister Kevin Prince announced today.

Mr Prince said the modern facility - which would include dental, obstetric and community health facilities as well as short-stay acute accommodation - had been allocated funding in the $1.602 billion 1997-98 State health budget.

"The new facility will be established on a site adjoining a doctor's surgery and a path will be built linking the two services," the Minister said.

"Work is due to start in May and the multi-purpose centre is expected to take about 10 months to complete."

The new facility will include:

·      a 12-bay car park;

·      rooms for visiting physiotherapists, podiatrists, optometrists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists;

·      a resuscitation, treatment and x-ray room;

·      low-risk obstetric service;

·      two respite rooms; and -

·      child and school health and community health services.

"This facility is a tangible demonstration of the Government's commitment to provide the best quality health services to Western Australians, no matter where they live," Mr Prince said.

"Despite budgetary constraints which are largely a result of the Commonwealth's reluctance to provide adequate funding for vital services in this State, the Government has provided substantial health funding to ensure high quality health services are maintained throughout WA."

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 221 1377