Change to Northam emergency department location

The redevelopment of the Northam Health Service is well underway with the refurbishment of the emergency department scheduled to begin in November.

During the refurbishment of the emergency department, which is expected to run until May 2018, visitors to the health service will need to access emergency services through the main entrance of the hospital.

WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt Regional Director Sean Conlan said staff would move into the temporary emergency department on 1 November 2017.

“Staff will be particularly busy on Wednesday 1 November as they transition into the temporary ED and familiarise themselves with the facilities,” Mr Conlan said.

“For patients presenting to ED with non-urgent medical issues, longer than usual waiting times may be experienced.

“We thank the local community in advance for their patience and understanding on this day.”
Signage will be in place at the hospital to direct people to the temporary emergency department and patient set down area.

All services will remain operational during the refurbishment.

The $42 million Northam Health Service redevelopment is part of the Southern Inland Health Initiative. The Southern Inland Health Initiative’s capital works program is more extensive and complex than any project previously undertaken by the WA Country Health Service, with new builds and upgrades to 37 hospitals and health services in the Wheatbelt, South West, Great Southern and Midwest.