Dalwallinu Health Service refurbishment on track

The Dalwallinu Health Service refurbishment, which started at the beginning of this year, is on track with stage one reaching completion in April.

WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt Regional Director Sean Conlan, said the renovations had been staged so that there was no disruption to health services during the construction process.

“In the first stage of the refurbishment the Emergency Department received a new toilet, shower and x-ray room,” he said.

“Staff were consulted during the design stage of the redevelopment and are now enjoying working within the modern spaces, designed for contemporary health practice.”

The second stage of work is now underway and will involve the creation of a new waiting area, a triage room and a multipurpose consultation room. A new communications room is being created to accommodate increased technology, including installing wireless data and upgraded phone system.

“Kitchen staff are preparing to move into a temporary kitchen while the existing kitchen is renovated,” Mr Conlan said.

Upgraded child health consultation room, patient bathroom and staff workspaces are scheduled for completion later in the year, with the whole refurbishment due to be finished by December 2017.

The Southern Inland Health Initiative's $300 million capital works program is the biggest 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. 

In the Wheatbelt, Merredin, Northam and Narrogin hospitals are being redeveloped and 23 other smaller hospitals and health centres are receiving upgrades across the region.