Official opening of facilities at Kalgoorlie Hospital

5/2/97

Children in the Goldfields are set to benefit from improved health care facilities with the official opening of a new children's ward and day ward at Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.

Work on the $1.85 million project began in July last year and has resulted in a 21-bed children's ward and seven-bed day ward.

Health Minister Kevin Prince officially opened the children's ward and day ward today.

The children's ward has been named after the Variety Club of Western Australia which contributed $500,000 towards its upgrade.

"The Variety Club is to be congratulated for the funds it raised for this project during its annual 'bash' in 1995," Mr Prince said.

"Their contribution, together with $1.35 million from the State Government, has provided first-class facilities for the people of the Goldfields.

"These new facilities are a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to maintain and improve health services for all Western Australians, no matter where they live."

Mr Prince said the wards had been substantially upgraded and now included state-of-the-art equipment including cardiac and respiratory equipment, nurse-call and emergency call systems and a centrally-located nurses station.

"Both the children's ward and day ward are now more brighter, functional and modern," he said.

"The old wards were not separated, they were more than 25 years old and in need of an upgrade.

"The new facilities have been designed to meet the growing needs of the community.

"Last year more than 1200 children - an average of 100 each month - were admitted to the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.

"Demand on our public hospitals is increasing and the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital provides vital secondary services to a big area of our State - which includes the shires of Coolgardie, Menzies, Leonora and Laverton and the Aboriginal communities of the Central Desert."

The children's ward opened to the public on December 24 and the day ward started taking patients early last month.

Media contact : Kirsten Stoney 221 1377