- The move of 91 sick children from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) to the new Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) was completed on schedule and without any major problems
- The new PCH emergency department treated 185 children in its first full day and night of operation
- PMH is now closed and children's health emergencies should be directed to your nearest hospital or PCH
More than 100 children have spent the night in wards at the new Perth's Children's Hospital following the successful completion of the patient move from Princess Margaret Hospital.
A total of 91 patients were safely transferred to the new hospital yesterday (June 10), completing the biggest medical move of children in our State's history.
Staff at the newly opened emergency department saw 185 young patients during its first day and night of operation, and 21 children were admitted to Perth Children's Hospital overnight.
Overnight, five emergency surgeries were completed in the hospital's state-of-the-art theatre complex, with 16 more planned surgeries due to be conducted today (June 11).
About 650 people took part in the move yesterday; a complex logistical operation involving Main Roads Western Australia, the WA Police Force and a convoy of ambulances.
Princess Margaret Hospital will be clinically decommissioned by the Department of Health over a period of about 14 weeks. Equipment will be removed and the site made safe. At the end of the decommissioning period, the Minister for Health will relinquish interest in the site and it will become the responsibility of the Minister for Lands.
More than 7,000 pieces of medical equipment from PMH will be utilised at the Perth Children's Hospital. The remainder will be made available for free issue to other WA Health sites. Equipment not required will be donated to charity.
The Perth Children's Hospital is now fully operational and patients from Bentley Adolescent Mental Health Service will arrive at the hospital this week.
Princess Margaret Hospital is now closed and the public are reminded to attend Perth Children's Hospital or their nearest hospital if children need emergency health care.
Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:
"I would like to thank all the people involved in the move from Princess Margaret Hospital to Perth Children's Hospital, which went off without a hitch.
"It was the biggest move of young patients in WA history and made a tremendous success thanks to extensive planning and hard work.
"The move was perfectly planned and executed and a momentous achievement for everyone who took part.
"The facilities and technology at Perth Children's Hospital will change the way our dedicated health professionals are able to deliver health care to our sickest kids.
"These events have been very significant, not only for patients but also for staff, as the doors of PMH closed for the final time after almost 109 years of service to the children and families of Western Australia.
"Now we have a new hospital which will carry on the proud traditions of PMH to the benefit of our most vulnerable children, their families and carers and all who will work there."
Minister's office - 6552 6500
