Capacity at Western Australia's largest and busiest regional hospital will receive a boost thanks to the construction of a new 30-bed modular ward.
The new modular facility will take low acuity patients and forms part of the McGowan Government's plan to increase capacity in WA hospitals.
The Bunbury facility includes 10 single bedrooms, 10 double bedrooms, ensuites, a patient lounge, staff offices and reception facilities.
Close to 60 full-time health professionals will be employed in the new ward, including nurses, allied health professionals and doctors.
It has been strategically positioned near existing infrastructure to help manage patient flow.
The new ward comes as Bunbury Regional Hospital was named 2022's Most Outstanding Regional Hospital at the Australian Patients Association Awards last month.
The beds form part of the 530 new hospital beds to open by October this year.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Bunbury Regional Hospital is the biggest and busiest in regional WA, so we've expanded its capacity in a way that is innovative and quick.
"The Bunbury modular ward is one of four that have undergone construction using fast-tracked approval processes and offsite construction.
"This investment is on top of the more than $200 million to transform Bunbury Regional Hospital to meet the needs of South-West communities."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"The Bunbury Regional Hospital plays a pivotal role in the provision of health services to the entire region, so this is a great outcome not just for Bunbury, but for the whole South-West.
"Bunbury being chosen as a location for a modular ward means our growing community can benefit from additional beds now while the broader redevelopment of the hospital is ongoing."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"The Bunbury Regional Hospital is an important asset in the provision of health care for all of the South-West and these additional 30 beds represent a significant capacity boost.
"The McGowan Government is also investing more than $200 million to redevelop the hospital, which will deliver substantial benefits to our local community."
