The first stage of the $73.3 million Geraldton Health Campus redevelopment has been completed, with patients and visitors set to benefit from new car parking facilities.
More than 400 additional car parking bays and six motorcycle bays have been delivered, significantly improving access to the hospital, as well as traffic flow into and around the campus.
A new ambulance entry on Shenton Street and reconfiguration of the main entrance are also part of the completed forward works package, designed to improve access and wayfinding around the campus.
The next phase of works will include the construction of a redeveloped and expanded emergency department, a new intensive care unit and expanded high dependency unit, an integrated mental health unit, and essential engineering service upgrades.
The exterior, public art and other spaces will incorporate elements that reflect the region's Aboriginal culture, landmarks, industries and history.
The redevelopment will be implemented in stages to ensure minimal disruption to patients, staff and the community. Importantly, the expanded emergency department and integrated mental health work are expected to be completed in 2023, with the balance of works in intensive care and expanded high dependency expected to be completed in 2024.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The local community told us they needed more parking and better access at Geraldton Health Campus and we've delivered on that by creating an additional 422 car parking bays and six motorcycle bays, making them available as soon as possible.
"The McGowan Government understands the last thing the community needs when you come to hospital is the added pressure of finding somewhere to park.
"It is further demonstration of our ongoing commitment to providing care closer to home for communities in country Western Australia."
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"We are pleased that we are able to relieve some of that pressure at what can be a stressful time for people coming to hospital, not only with this significant increase in car parking space, but also with improved campus access.
"This will be the single biggest investment in Geraldton Hospital since the Gallop Government redeveloped the hospital back in the early 2000s."
