Minister announces plans for new health centre in Morawa

20/6/02
Planning for a new purpose-built health centre in Morawa will start immediately, Mid-West Minister Kim Chance announced today.
Mr Chance said local community groups would be consulted extensively over the new development, which would see the construction of a modern, community-focused facility serving the people of Morawa for generations to come.
"The decision to build a new health facility was taken following advice from key community representatives who identified a need for a health centre which would support community and aged care services," he said.
"The Department of Health has acted quickly to ensure that the community's wishes are met and I commend them for this.
"This is a positive step for the people of Morawa and Perenjori and stands alongside other country projects which have also been given a recent green light by the new country support group in the department."
Mr Chance said the decision to build a new health facility meant the planned redevelopment of the old Morawa hospital would be halted.
"The existing hospital structure is more than 70 years old and it makes more sense to spend money on building a new facility than continually updating an old one," he said.
"The community will be consulted over the future use of the hospital building, which is considered to have heritage value."
Mr Chance said community participation was a priority under the new administrative structure for country health services, announced by Health Minister Bob Kucera earlier this month.
"The Government is committed to giving country people a genuine say in health service delivery through the establishment of Health Advisory Councils," he said.
"I urge all country residents to look out for advertisements calling for expressions of interest for appointments to the new Health Advisory Councils, which will appear in local newspapers at the end of the month."
Minister's office: 9213 6700