Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital gets $6M over 3 years for mental health

6/5/99
The State Government will spend more than $6 million over three years on upgrading mental health facilities and medical staff accommodation at the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.
Outlining the State Budget, Health Minister John Day said that to assist people suffering from mental health problems a new $850,000 rooming-in unit would be built at the hospital and the existing psychiatric clinic refurbished.
Mr Day said the new facility would accommodate up to four patients with mental health problems and for some, it would prevent the need to travel to Graylands Hospital for treatment.
"This development highlights the Coalition Government's commitment to providing high quality health care to all Western Australians, closer to home, regardless of where they live," Mr Day said.
"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, this new clinic will also provide accommodation for family members if necessary."
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 that as part of a $9.6 million program to attract and retain medical staff to country regions work would also begin on a $1.5 million project to construct 15 new self-contained accommodation units at the hospital.
"The State Government has made rural health care provision a priority and new accommodation will help attract permanent well-qualified staff, who can offer a comprehensive range of health services to rural people," he said.
"A further $200,000 will be spent on staff accommodation at the Leonora Health Service."
Mr Day said other additions to the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital included a $250,000 two-bed palliative care unit, for which some of the funding would come from community-based organisations.
"A further $80,000 will go towards finalising strategic planing for the hospital and associated health services, taking the service through to the year 2010," he said.
Media contact: Mark Thompson on (08) 9213 6600