Health Minister announces major upgrades for KEMH, PMH

19/11/00
Perth's two major women's and children's hospitals will benefit from $7 million in upgrades, Health Minister John Day announced today.
Mr Day said the works would be funded from a $40 million Treasury allocation for health resulting from the sale of Alinta Gas.
"This significant capital injection into King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) and Princess Margaret Children's Hospital (PMH) will reinforce the specialist roles these institutions play in women's and children's health," he said.
"KEMH and PMH are known as centres of excellence and the Coalition Government is committed to fostering and nurturing that reputation.
"Western Australian families have a strong attachment to both KEMH and PMH and this is something that, together with the community, we are building upon."
Works to be carried at KEMH include:

• accommodation lodge for country families on the Loretto Street and Barker Road frontages;
• provision of four sound-proof ultrasound imaging rooms with counselling facilities;
• en-suites in delivery rooms;
• emergency department upgrade; and -
• west wing and entrance upgrade.

Work at PMH will involve conversion of the existing theatre suite to provide a new $700,000 paedodontic theatre (for child oral surgery).
Mr Day said the works would make substantial improvements to service delivery and patient comfort.
"The KEMH enhancements will allow specialist services to continue to be delivered at the highest possible standards," he said.
Mr Day said the new child oral surgery theatre at PMH would bring great benefits to children and future generations of Western Australians.
"This new theatre will significantly reduce waiting lists for oral procedures, with more children able to receive treatment quicker," he said.
"These initiatives are part of the State Government's key policy to deliver quality health care close to where people live."
Mr Day said funds had also been allocated to evaluate other capital redevelopment options at the KEMH site and at PMH.
This included the evaluation of options to improve the delivery of obstetrics, gynaecology and midwifery services in Western Australia.
Redevelopment options for the adjoining Hensman Road/Loretto Street precinct would also be considered.
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600