Great start for hospital project

Wangaratta will have a state-of-the-art hospital with paediatrics, obstetrics and critical care services when its major $15.4 million redevelopment is completed next year, says Health Minister John Thwaites.

Officially opening Stage 1 of the redevelopment, Mr Thwaites also announced a $150,000 Government grant to help the Wangaratta District Base Hospital buy 100 new beds.

‘The hospital has agreed to a community fund-raising campaign to match the Government’s funding for these beds, to ensure the redeveloped wards are fitted-out with modern beds.’

Mr Thwaites said the hospital would continue to function and treat patients as normal while the other three stages of the redevelopment progressively came on line.

‘The first stage involved the demolition of an older ward area and the building of a nuclear medicine facility, a ward comprising rehabilitation, birthing suites, obstetrics and surgical beds, a new mains switchboard and a temporary link to the rehab ward.

‘The new ward has 33 beds, four delivery suites and a nursery, while the next stage, due for completion in November, will add a new west ward and critical care facilities.’

This would be followed by the refurbishment of day procedures facilities, recovery services, the theatres, medical records section and administration area by June next year and the completion of the project in July with a new main entry, patient drop-off area, landscaping and outside works.

‘This important project signifies the confidence and commitment which the Government has to rural health services,’ Mr Thwaites said.

‘The redevelopment will provide top-shelf health services that residents have every right to expect, such as paediatrics, obstetrics, medical care, rehabilitation and critical surgical care.

‘The Wangaratta District Base Hospital, which serves a population of 35,000, will be able to deal professionally with growing demand for its services,’ Mr Thwaites said.