New plans for Geraldton Health Campus released

WA Health minster Roger Cook said the promised $73.3 million Geraldton Health Campus extensions were a step closer as he released draft concept designs today.

The redevelopment includes an expanded emergency department; new intensive care unit co-located with a redeveloped high dependency unit; new integrated mental health including an acute psychiatric unit and a mental health short stay unit.

The main entry is to be reconfigured, the car park redesigned and expanded and essential engineering services are to be upgraded including the replacement of the chillers.

Mr Cook said the architectural drawings were refined based on staff and consumer consultation.

“The new design will focus on putting the patient first, ensuring those accessing services at Geraldton Health Campus are able to navigate the facility with ease,” he said.

“The new emergency department, integrated mental health service and eight-bed high dependency/intensive care unit are expected to be operational in 2023 to provide high-quality health services to the Mid West community.

The State Government has recently committed funding of $382,500 to increase the on-site security presence at Geraldton Health Campus. This will strengthen the existing seven-day-a-week security service as well as the ongoing ground patrols.

Security of staff is further assured through the provision of duress alarms, newly updated CCTV surveillance technology and safe rooms.

This funding comes on top of the $8.37 million maintenance works package for the Mid West announced in September 2019, of which approximately $1.5 million is allocated to Geraldton Health Campus.

Agricultural Region member Darren West said 100 direct new jobs would be created when the extensions were complete.