WA Government, West Australian County Health Service and community representatives have officially thrown their support behind Collie Hospital’s completed upgrades.
Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray MLA and WACHS representatives were among esteemed guests given a tour of the newly-redeveloped facilities by Acting Clinical Nurse Manager Amber Hargans.
The group was shown through the Emergency Department, radiology and the general ward past theatre and maternity.
Mr Murray and WACHS led an official opening ceremony for the refurbished areas on Friday, September 15.
The Collie-Preston MLA admitted he was pleased to see the upgrades come to fruition.
“Personally, having utilised the hospital previously and seen the condition it was in a couple of years ago, to see what it is today is just pretty special,” he said. “Not not only the physical side of it but the technical side, where we can get the best help possible at any one time.”
WACHS chief executive officer Jeff Moffet and District Health Advisory Councils chair Amanda Lovitt said the event provided the chance to see the hospital’s role in the region first hand. They noticed the upgrades provided much-needed assistance to staff.
South West MLCs Colin Holt and Diane Evers also viewed the hospital’s upgrades last week, both feeling the centre’s technological upgrades would greatly assist the hospital overall.
“It is absolutely necessary, and it’s such a good thing because I think with the country facilities what we want is to give people as much care as we can on site, and with telehealth it just extends that ability to keep people here,” Mrs Evers said.
Shire of Collie President Wayne Sanford said the upgrades benefited the district’s health and well-being.
“I think it’s fantastic that we have had some continued improvement over time and I know the State Government has got another stage to go at the hospital,” he said.
“I’m sure the community appreciates that and respects the decision the WACHS and the State Government have made to continue to improve the amenities and facilities here in Collie.”
Indigenous elder James Khan delivered a Welcome to Country address and presented the hospital with a piece of aboriginal artwork.
He said the painting and address acknowledged reconciliation for present and future generations.
