Health service on track for completion

The long-awaited Collie Health Service’s $7.8 million three-phase refurbishment is nearing completion, with construction of its final stage under way.

WA Country Health Service South West regional director Kerry Winsor is tipping the project to be completed by July, following the redevelopment of the hospital’s emergency department.

Parts of the department are already finished, but two resuscitation bays, a treatment room, medication room, staff office and an ambulance bay upgrade remain.

Service clinical nurse manager Amber Hargans said the work was much-needed and it would be beneficial once completed.

“We are hoping to be in by July,” she said.

“It’s good for the patients and staff morale also to have the new space.”

The project’s second phase was completed last month, giving the service a new reception, triage area and three emergency department treatment bays.

The first stage included a new administration area and upgrades to the hospital entry, reception area and medical records room.

Perth-based artist Jahne Rees has also built a symbolic red-tailed cockatoo piece near the hospital entry.

Southern Inland Health operations manager Jeremy Higgins said the development was crucial to improving health services in the region.