Opening of Swan District's Hospital Accident & Emergency Dept

23/4/96

Health Minister Kevin Prince today opened the new Accident and Emergency Department at Swan District Hospital.

The opening marked the completion of a capital works program which began in September 1992 and which cost just under $18 million.

Mr Prince said the department was redeveloped at a cost of $1.3 million.

It now housed six state-of-the-art general treatment cubicles - up from the existing three, an extra two resuscitation bays, a dedicated treatment/procedure room and a room devoted to eye injuries.

Other hospital redevelopment work had seen the relocation of the pharmacy, pathology, administration and medical records areas, adding to overall efficiency.

"The redevelopment doubles the hospital's capacity to deal with emergencies and reduces the need for patients to be transferred to other hospitals such as Royal Perth," the Minister said.

"The hospital expects to increase the flow of inpatients gradually from 10,300 last financial year by 50 per cent in the medium term, growing to an estimated 25,000 attendances in the long term."

Mr Prince said a recent study commissioned by the hospital board also showed that population in the area was set to increase by more than 60 per cent in the next 15 years - at a time when metropolitan-wide growth was expected at only 35 per cent.

"The new Accident and Emergency Department has been built with this anticipated growth in mind and will ensure that high-quality clinical care is readily available to local residents," he said.

"The State Government's commitment to health services in the area was recently highlighted by the allocation of $81 million to help services across the State, this financial year.

"Of that money, $1.4 million was allocated to the Swan Health Service with $198,000  to be used for emergency department nursing and extra medical equipment."

Mr Prince paid tribute to the Swan District Hospital Board, staff and to local residents for their patience during the redevelopment.

He also commended Building Management Authority architects for their work, along with builder Ken Hilbrands.

Media contact:  Stacey Molloy 366 0300 or 222 9595