Official opening of Community and Child Health Centre at Moora

2/7/98

Health Minister Kevin Prince today officially opened a new $325,000 Community and Child Health Centre at Moora.

"Both the local community and health care workers can feel confident that they now have a workable and relaxed facility which has brought together community and child health services under the one roof," the Minister said.

"There will certainly be a greater integration of health services in Moora as a result of locating a range of health professionals together in close proximity to the hospital and aged care facility.

"I would like to congratulate the people of Moora for their perseverance and patience in bringing this project to fruition, but everyone would agree the end result was worth the wait."

The new facility includes:

·      a new waiting area and reception;

·      offices for allied health professionals;

·      a child health clinic;

·      group room for health activities; and -

·      a consulting room for mental health workers.

"By providing an appropriate base to run services from, this facility will increase the scope of the types of services and programs that can be provided to the community," Mr Prince said.

The Minister congratulated the Western Health Service, which became the first in the Wheatbelt to amalgamate its hospital boards in 1997, for its willingness to adapt to meet the needs of a changing health system and its dedication in bringing the best possible services to the people of the region.

The service has been granted more than $6.2 million in recent years to upgrade facilities which includes:

·      $2.5 million over three years to construct new Multi-purpose Service (MPS) centres at Jurien and Leeman;

·      $700,000 over two years for the redevelopment of the Moora District Hospital;

·      $210,000 to upgrade the hospital's operating theatre;

·      $2.4 million over three years to redevelop the Goomalling District Hospital; and -

·      $200,000 to progress planning for the Lancelin MPS.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9221 1377