Medical facilities in Mullewa region boosted following Health Service redevelopment

29/9/99
Medical services and facilities for people living in the Mullewa region are being boosted following the redevelopment of the Mullewa Health Service.
Health Minister John Day said a total of $575,000 had been spent on redeveloping the health service into a top class medical facility for the local community.
Mr Day said the State Government's new health system was based on the delivery of high-quality medical care closer to home, and the new Mullewa Health Service was testimony to that commitment.
"Western Australia's new health system is focused on how to provide more health services than ever before to people throughout the State," he said.
"With that goal in mind the State Government has allocated nearly $19 million towards the development of Multi-Purpose Facilities (MPS) this financial year to help increase the provision of health services throughout WA.
"The MPS program allows communities to access a wider range of health services that are more suited to their local requirements by combining resources, including aged care facilities and home and community care."
Mr Day said the redevelopment of the Mullewa Health Service was an opportunity to not only integrate existing services into a new complex, but to introduce new services in line with the needs of the local community. The new services include:

• a new community and child clinic;
• an allied health service facility;
• a sessional consulting room;
• a new medical imaging unit;
• a Palliative care facility; and -
• administration offices.

Mr Day said the redevelopment was funded from the State Government's $11 million special equipment program for regional health services.
"For the local community the new Mullewa Health Service brings an end to the frustration and disruption in their lives in having to travel to Perth for certain health services," he said.
The Minister praised the dedication and commitment of the staff of the health service, who continued working under difficult conditions while the redevelopment was taking place.
He said that under the circumstances it was very appropriate that the community health clinic would bear the name of one of the service's long-serving professionals, Mary Fegan, who had worked at the hospital as a registered nurse and midwife for over 25 years.
"The Mary Fegan community clinic will serve as a powerful reminder that all the funds and facilities in the world have no value without the dedication and talents of our health professionals," the Minister said.
Media contact: Mark Thompson 9213 6600