Newly upgraded Broome Hospital offers improved health services

30/4/99
Premier Richard Court said today that the newly upgraded Broome Hospital demonstrated the State Government's strong commitment to provide improved health care services to all Western Australians.
Visiting the hospital this afternoon, Mr Court said the State Government's $15 million redevelopment of the hospital would give the people of Broome and the Kimberley region access to state-of-the-art facilities.
"The State Government is committed to improving health facilities so that Western Australians, no matter where they live, can access the best possible services closer to their homes," the Premier said.
"The new facilities at the Broome Hospital reflect the success the Government has had in achieving this objective and at the same time it will significantly enhance the health care services available in the Kimberley."
Mr Court said the work undertaken at the Broome Hospital represented one of the biggest regional capital works projects in the health spending area in recent years.
"In total the State Government has allocated $488.2 million to capital works projects in the health area since its first budget in 1993-94," the Premier said.
"The Government is very proud of the improvements that have been made in the delivery of health services, especially in regional areas of the State."
The newly upgraded facilities at the Broome Hospital include:

• emergency and out-patients areas;
• medical imaging;
• pathology;
• a multi-purpose day surgery facility;
• upgraded birthing facilities;
• allied health services;
• community health services;
• a main reception/general administration area;
• a kiosk; and -
• a large new parking area and covered patient setdown area.

The project also incorporates significant artwork by local Aboriginal artists as part of the Government's 'Per Cent for Art' initiative which ensures that a percentage of the total cost of a project is allocated to the incorporation of art into the design.
"This work has been long overdue and now the local community can have pride in their hospital and the services that are available," the Premier said.
Mr Court said the redevelopment would be officially opened in June.
Media Contact: Bronwyn Hillman 9222 9475