13/9/02
The State Government will build a new eight-bed hospital in Halls Creek, Health Minister Bob Kucera announced today.
Mr Kucera, who made the announcement while visiting communities throughout the Kimberley, said a project working group would be established immediately.
"The construction of a new hospital, which will cost more than $7million, has been funded from a $34million pool to improve health services in the Kimberley," he said.
"Advertisements for the appointment of architects will be placed in the press in the near future and it is anticipated that construction will be completed by 2005.
"The new facility will be modern, efficient and culturally sensitive, increasing our ability to attract and retain skilled health professionals to the area.
"I am pleased to say that it will have more beds than the current hospital, allowing staff to treat more patients locally."
Mr Kucera said the new facility would replace the current four-bed facility, which was aged and in need of replacement.
"The project working group, which will include representatives from the community and health services, will consult with local residents about the design and planning of the new facility," he said.
"Initial master service planning, with some community consultation, was undertaken in August 2001.
"This stage will allow for further consultation and I urge all interested people to make their views known."
Mr Kucera said the announcement would be complemented by the State Government's decision to build and fund more than $2.5million-worth of aged care facilities in Kununurra and Halls Creek.
A project working group will be established immediately for the Kununurra Aged care project and architects will be appointed in the near future.
Negotiations are proceeding with the local aged care hostel provider in Halls Creek and are expected to be finalised soon.
"The State Government has committed approximately $10million towards capital works for the redistribution of aged care beds, including those from Derby's Numbala Nunga Nursing Home in the Kimberley," Mr Kucera said.
"The redistribution of high care beds across the region will allow the elderly to remain close to their local communities, rather than moving to Numbala Nunga in Derby.
"Under the redistribution plan, Fitzroy Crossing, Kununurra, Halls Creek, Broome and Derby will all receive high care beds and Numbala Nunga Nursing Home will be completely rebuilt in a culturally sensitive manner."
The Minister said the projects were an integral part of the State Government's vision to improve health services across the Kimberley.
"Changes have been made to the delivery of health services in the Kimberley and I am taking the opportunity to visit with communities and explain the benefits of those changes face-to-face," he said.
"It is important that we act now to ensure sustainable health services for the future."
Minister's office: 9213 7000
