Northam Health Service has been officially opened, marking the completion of the facility’s $42 million redevelopment.
New, state-of-the-art features include modern operating theatres at double the previous capacity, a refurbished recovery suite and a central sterile services department.
A new dedicated chemotherapy department space has also been established, including a waiting room, reception, consulting room with telehealth capability, and large treatment areas equipped with recliner chairs.
The overall Northam Health Service redevelopment saw the inclusion of an expanded emergency department, purpose-built consultation rooms and indoor and outdoor rehabilitation treatment areas, as well as a new ambulatory care building that provides access to community health services.
A new satellite renal service has also been established and when operational will allow residents of the Wheatbelt requiring dialysis to avoid travel to the metropolitan area for care.
The Northam Health Service redevelopment is part of a $1.5 billion modernisation program overseen by the WA Country Health Service.
The Commonwealth Government contributed $3.5 million towards the chemotherapy unit.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“More than $42 million worth of improvements to Northam Health Service are enabling residents of the Wheatbelt to receive first-class care closer to home.
“We know people can recover faster when they are close to their personal support networks.
“The McGowan Government has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the people of country WA closer to where they live, and the opening of the refurbished Northam Health Service builds upon that.”
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
“This is a significant investment into the Avon region by the McGowan Government.
“The new Northam hospital will allow more patients to be treated locally, reducing the need to travel to Perth for treatment.
“I have advocated for these upgrades for many years and thank Minister Cook and Premier McGowan for getting the job done.”
