Dongara Health Centre redevelopment reaches practical completion

The new-look $9.86 million Dongara Health Centre has reached practical completion.

The facility has been significantly upgraded and now features a brand-new, contemporary ambulatory care unit as well as new consult rooms with telehealth videoconferencing capability, a dedicated child health room, staff amenities and parking areas.

Significant work to the emergency department includes a dedicated triage reception and assessment bay, upgraded sub-waiting, treatment, consult and short stay spaces, staff station and an ambulance bay.

The facility’s residential aged care unit – known locally as Blake House – has doubled the number of available beds from six to 12 and now includes a dedicated palliative care suite.

Some upgrades to the residential care suites and general living environment have been made possible thanks to $780,000 through the Commonwealth Government’s Multi-Purpose Service Program.

The redevelopment – undertaken in close consultation with the local community – also allows for much improved patient flow and more efficient connections between clinical departments and administration.

WA Country Health Service Midwest A/Executive Director Ron Wynn said the redevelopment had been community-focused from day one.

“The residents of Dongara, Port Denison and surrounding communities have been at the heart of this project from the beginning,” Mr Wynn said.

“I’d also like to thank the Shire of Irwin for their assistance throughout the redevelopment, allowing our vital services to remain open and accessible.

“The centre now features world-class telehealth technology throughout, allowing residents to access specialist care while remaining on country and close to home.”

Allied, community health and dental services that have been temporarily located off-site will be welcomed back to the hospital from early May.