Opening of new $2M paediatric ward at Fremantle Hospital

8/2/97

The new $2 million paediatric ward at Fremantle Hospital will allow staff to treat hundreds more patients this year, Health Minister Kevin Prince announced today.

"This new facility will not only provide a vastly improved service to children admitted to the hospital but enable more admissions to occur if necessary," Mr Prince said.

"More than 64,000 children in Western Australia were hospitalised last year.

"Fremantle now has one of the newest, most modern and comfortable children's wards in WA and its services will be further improved in the near future when the emergency ward, which includes a paediatric section, is completed."

Mr Prince said a large financial contribution from many individuals and charity organisations - which matched the State Government's $1 million commitment - had helped secure a vital community service to the Fremantle area.

"The fundraising efforts of those people involved is greatly appreciated by the State Government and I am sure, the staff and patients at the ward," he said.

Mr Prince said the new facility included:

+ a 29-bed ward;

+ many new pieces of equipment;

+ accommodation rooms with ensuites for parents wanting to stay overnight;

+ new recreational equipment including the latest video games and children's films;

+ an outdoor playground for patients and visitors; and -

+ an outlet for the popular children's radio station, Radio Lollipop.

Work on the ward, named the Adelaide Samson Centenary Ward, began in June.

Mr Prince thanked staff and management at Fremantle Hospital for their patience and hard work during the busy construction period.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 221 1377