The Collie Healthcare Redevelopment Program has been functionally completed, bringing state-of-the-art medical facilities to the region.
The project, which began in 2017 with a $7.8 million upgrade, aimed to address the healthcare needs of Collie and the surrounding areas, including improving access to specialist care and reducing the need for patients to travel to Perth.
It involved significant improvements to the Collie Hospital, including the construction of a brand-new operating theatre and patient waiting bays, upgrades to the ED, theatre waiting room and reception, the addition of a new consult room and state-of-the-art telehealth technology, and a soon to be installed local artwork.
Other critical infrastructure works to be completed as part of the redevelopment include upgrades to heating, cooling and ventilation systems, a kitchen renovation, the replacement of hot water systems, upgraded electrical systems and improved car park lighting.
WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the McGowan government had invested another $14.7 million into the Collie Health Service with other infrastructure works, such as new outpatient rooms, which are expected to be completed in the near future.
“The theatre works at Collie Health Service are part of our commitment to improving access to contemporary healthcare facilities closer to home,” Minister Sanderson said.
“The new operating theatre features state-of-the-art technology and amenities and will significantly enhance the experience of patients and staff.”
The entire Collie Health Service redevelopment is on track for final completion in mid-2023 and the latest achievement was celebrated by local officials, including Collie-Preston MLA Ms Jodie Hanns, who noted that the new facilities and services will not only benefit local residents but also patients from neighbouring regions.
“The completion of the new operating theatre at Collie Health Service is an exciting milestone for this important project,” Ms Hanns said.
“Ensuring access to world class healthcare in our area is a key priority and the redevelopment of the Collie Health Service will deliver huge benefits for patients and their families.”
The town, known for coal production for the Muja power station, is home to more than 7,500 people who were forced to travel to either Perth or Bunbury to access a wide range of healthcare services.
The Collie healthcare redevelopment program was first launched as part of the former Barnet government’s commitment to a $325.8 million boost to health infrastructure across southern Western Australia, funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Announced in 2014, the original $8.6 million upgrade was expected to start in early 2016 and take about 18 months.