A new ophthalmology unit at Fremantle Hospital opened this week, paving the way for a major expansion of mental health services.
From Tuesday 20 September, ophthalmology outpatients at Fremantle Hospital will have access to the hospital's newly designed and built ophthalmology department.
With more than 180 patients passing through its doors every day, ophthalmology is one of the busiest outpatient services at Fremantle Hospital, and the new facility has been designed to suit the unique needs of the service and its patients.
The ophthalmology unit was the final service to be relocated from 'V block' at Fremantle Hospital, marking the beginning of redevelopment works for the McGowan Government's new 40-bed mental health ward at the hospital.
The McGowan Government is investing $45.5 million to fund the 40-bed mental health redevelopment at Fremantle Hospital. This includes $5.5 million for the ophthalmology unit.
The 40-bed mental health development will transform Fremantle Hospital into a mental health hub, significantly boosting the current 64-bed inpatient admission capacity and providing better access to expert care for patients with a mental illness in the south metropolitan region.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This new state-of-the art ophthalmology unit will deliver modernised facilities for patients of this busy and growing outpatient service.
"More than 180 patients use Fremantle Hospital's ophthalmology service every day and I am pleased they now have a new clinic in which to receive their care.
"The relocation of the clinic is also an important milestone in our $45.5 million redevelopment of mental health services at Fremantle Hospital as the last service to be moved so the expansion can begin."
