State-of-the-art surgical theatre opens at Fremantle Hospital

4/5/02
Health Minister Bob Kucera opened a new $2.6million orthopaedic operating theatre and Department of Anaesthesia at Fremantle Hospital today.
Mr Kucera said the new facilities reflected the State Government's commitment to providing the best possible health service to patients.
The project - which took nine months to complete - includes:

• a new orthopaedic surgical theatre;
• an anaesthetic workroom;
• Department of Anaesthesia accommodation;
• upgraded change facilities;
• state-of-the-art medical equipment; and
• a theatre staff lounge and seminar room.

Mr Kucera said doctors, nursing and allied health staff were all involved in the planning process for the new facility.
"Following the allocation of $1.6million for its construction, the State Government provided a further $1million in January this year to fully equip the new theatre," he said.
"The theatre is currently being commissioned and should be fully operational by May 13.
"It is expected that about 2,500 operations - ranging from hip and knee replacements to hand surgery and arthroscopic procedures - will be performed in the theatre each year."
Mr Kucera said the Government had made a financial commitment to new equipment, infrastructure, facilities and technology in the State's hospitals.
"In last year's health budget, the Government committed itself to a $380million program of capital works projects over its four-year term of office," he said.
"In January, the Premier announced the release of $20million to upgrade medical equipment across the metropolitan hospital system."
The Minister said currently, there were 47 major capital works projects in progress with others to be added in the coming financial year.
Minister's office: 9213 7000