- $1.9 million infrastructure upgrades at Kalamunda hospital on track to be completed in 2017-18 financial year
- Kalamunda one of 12 sites considered for possible aged care facilities as part of McGowan Government election commitment
Infrastructure improvements to the Kalamunda District Community Hospital are well under way with key contracts set to be awarded this month.
The hospital provides day surgical procedures and a specialist inpatient palliative care service, launched earlier this year, for patients in the east metropolitan area.
As part of the $1.9 million upgrade, removal of asbestos will begin later this month to enable the replacement of the hospital's ageing hot water system in early July.
Contracts will also be awarded by the end of June to manage other works related to the partial replacement of the hospital roof, installation of passive fire barriers, improvements to the hospital's electrical systems and new air conditioning to parts of the facility.
Other expected upgrades that will occur in 2017-18 include the refurbishment of the hospital's main reception area to improve accessibility.
As part of a McGowan Government election commitment, an unused piece of land located next to Kalamunda hospital is being considered as a possible location for future aged care facilities.
Other sites being considered include Mundijong, Subiaco, Armadale, Bentley, Mandurah, Middle Swan, Mount Claremont, Murdoch, Osborne Park, Pinjarra and Rockingham.
It is expected that any State-owned land being considered for aged care purposes would be available to be acquired by the non-government sector.
Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:
"Kalamunda District Community Hospital is a vital part of the hospital network, and I welcome both the improvements to the building and the scope of services this hospital provides.
"This includes ensuring patients and families now have access to high-quality end-of-life palliative care at a time when they are possibly at their most vulnerable.
"The McGowan Government is exploring the fast-tracking of processes associated with land provision to ensure aged care providers have the opportunity of securing land in a timely manner, to build quality aged care residential facilities to meet the ongoing needs of the Western Australian community."
Comments attributed to Kalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes
"This is good news for the Kalamunda and Hills communities who have relied on the services provided by the hospital for more than 40 years.
"These upgrades will ensure the Kalamunda hospital continues to play a key role within the local community."
Minister's office - 6552 6500
