The $3.2 million emergency department upgrade works for Boddington, Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills Health Services have begun, bringing these Wheatbelt communities closer to enhanced emergency care services.
Cooper and Oxley Pty Ltd is the successful tenderer for the Dalwallinu and Boddington sites and Devlyn Australia Pty Ltd for the Wongan Hills works.
Once complete, the refurbished and fit-for-purpose emergency departments will include a resuscitation bay, acute treatment bay, procedure room as well as a single point of access for visitors and patients, and a separate entry for ambulances.
Boddington and Wongan Hills Health Services will be equipped with x-ray capability, which assists WA Country Health Service medical staff to diagnose and treat conditions such as bone fractures without the need to transfer patients.
The community around each site will also benefit from the creation of a procedure room facility, enabling the GP to undertake minor procedures without patients requiring transfer.
Completion of the construction works is earmarked for late in 2021 and each of the three health services will remain operational throughout the refurbishment work.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"This investment by the McGowan Government will significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of the emergency departments.
"These works will not only optimise the layout of the current emergency departments to create a better workflow, it will see the creation of procedure rooms in Boddington and Wongan Hills Health Services, and improved ambulance access at Dalwallinu Health Service.
"The McGowan Government is committed to providing country communities with access to contemporary health services that use the latest technology.
"With Western Australian construction companies living in the Wheatbelt for the duration of the works, local businesses will be supported for accommodation and other needs."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"This is great news for the communities of Boddington, Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills.
"Not only are the emergency departments getting upgraded, but the local economies will get a boost with the influx of workers.
"I'm proud to be a member of the McGowan Government and thank the Minister for making these much needed ED upgrades a reality."
