Budget funding for ugrading health services in Nannup and Pemberton

7/5/99
The State Government has committed more than $5.6 million to upgrade health services in Pemberton and Nannup over three years.
Health Minister John Day said under the 1999-2000 State Budget allocations announced today the money would be directed towards developing new facilities.
"A whole new multipurpose facility will be built in Pemberton with $1.7 million being spent this financial year from a total estimated cost of $4.1 million," Mr Day said.
"Health services in Nannup will be redeveloped and upgraded with $800,000 allocated this financial year from a total cost of $1.5 million."
Mr Day said the 1999-2000 health budget of $1.794 billion - the single biggest allocation for any Government-funded service - represented a $153 million increase (9.3 per cent) over the estimate announced in last year's Budget.
"Since 1996-97 there has been a $350 million boost - nearly a 25 per cent increase - to the health budget which highlights just how committed this Government is to the health needs of all Western Australians," he said.
Mr Day said the new health facilities would include emergency rooms with observation beds, multipurpose consulting rooms, accommodation for Home and Community Care and Silver Chain, and general office space.
"This means older residents who need permanent or respite accommodation can get the care they need close to their homes and families," he said.
Mr Day said the establishment of facilities that could accommodate a range of health and community care services was a key State Government strategy for health services in regional Western Australia.
"The aim is to provide all Western Australians with the standard and type of health care they need, regardless of where they live," he said.
The Minister said that as part of an ongoing program to improve the level of medical care 'closer to home' the Government had allocated $10 million to upgrade Organ Imaging equipment, like CT scanners, in non-teaching hospitals over five years.
Operating theatres, sterilising facilities and equipment in rural health centres would also be upgraded through a $6 million project over five years.
Media contact: Mark Thompson on (08) 9213 6600