New equipment and processes were tested and passed with flying colours, during a busy opening of the new Northam Health Service emergency department on February 6, 2019.
Thanks to dedicated staff and a detailed operational plan, the move was smooth and incident free.
From a patient perspective, the transition from the old emergency department was seamless and feedback about the new emergency department was overwhelmingly positive.
Staff have already received many compliments about the bigger and brighter waiting areas and the more spacious patient care bays within the emergency department, which provide greater privacy during treatment.
The first stage of a two-part surgical services upgrade will be the next area to be completed at the site.
Chemotherapy, pharmacy, renal services and staff training areas will be completed in the final stage of development - expected to be complete by the end of 2019.
The Northam Health Service redevelopment is part of a $1.5 billion modernisation program being delivered by the WA Country Health Service to improve health services across regional Western Australia.
Across WA, innovative technology, along with modern new infrastructure and improved patient systems and connectivity, are transforming care for country communities.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The opening of the new emergency department at Northam is another step closer towards the $42 million refurbishment of the Northam Health Service.
"The refurbishment of Northam is part of the biggest transformation of country hospitals and health facilities in more than a generation."
As noted by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"I'd like to thank all the staff and the Northam community for their support during this transition process. The new emergency department provides enhanced levels of health care for people close to where they live, which is in line with the McGowan Government's commitment to put patients first."
