The Collie Hospital redevelopment has been given the green light, with the McGowan Government allocating $12.2 million towards the project.
The funding injection will allow for the full refurbishment of the operating theatre.
With approximately 720 surgery cases per year, the operating theatre at Collie Hospital currently has capacity to treat:
- Hernia repair
- Caesarean section
- Excisions of lumps
- Removal of lesions with skin graft
- Carpal tunnel
- Vasectomy.
The $12.2 million commitment builds upon the recently completed $7.8 million refurbishment of Collie Hospital in 2017 – this included administration, main entry and emergency department upgrades.
The funding announcement offers certainty to the local residents and reinforces the McGowan Government’s pledge to put patients first.
The State Government funding confirmation comes as Federal Labor’s election commitment to fund the redevelopment will no longer proceed, given the result on Saturday (May 18).
The $12.2 million will be provisioned from Royalties for Regions and is in addition to $500,000 committed in the 2018-19 State Budget for the Valley View Residence in Collie.
This was also a McGowan Government election commitment and provides a significant upgrade to the aged care facility, including new therapy equipment, furniture and an outdoor café.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“The McGowan Government recognises that regional hospitals in WA are important and need support. This funding for Collie Hospital will significantly improve the facility and deliver a much needed new operating theatre.
“This investment is about putting patients in regional WA first, providing appropriate health care closer to home and to their family and loved ones.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
“The $12.2 million to modernise and complete important upgrades to Collie Hospital will create important opportunities for local construction jobs and provide a boost to small businesses in the area.
“It is excellent to see the McGowan Government deliver on yet another election commitment especially one that will deliver better health care in our community.
“These upgrades will ensure Collie Hospital continues to complement Bunbury Regional Hospital and provide the high level of care close to home that country people expect.”
