Groundworks are now underway on a new seven-storey clinical tower and helideck at Bunbury Regional Hospital, marking a major milestone in the Western Australian government’s $471.5 million redevelopment project.
The project, the largest regional hospital redevelopment in Western Australian history, will transform the state’s biggest country hospital into a modern healthcare hub for the South West community.
WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the new and improved Bunbury Regional Hospital will be home to country WA’s first healthcare training, education and research centre.
“It will support ongoing professional development for clinicians and attract new talent to the region, strengthening the local healthcare workforce to meet the evolving needs of this growing community,” said Hammat.
“This redevelopment will put Bunbury at the forefront of regional healthcare in our state and deliver on our government’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our South West communities for decades to come.”
Following completion of enabling works, managing contractor Multiplex Perkins Unincorporated Joint Venture has commenced stage one construction.
This stage includes the new clinical tower and helideck, refurbishment of existing spaces to establish a mental health observation unit, an expanded acute psychiatric unit, and upgrades to the central energy plant.
Piling works currently underway involve the installation of structural columns that will form the foundations of the clinical tower.
A helipad on top of the tower will provide critically ill patients with direct access to operating theatres.
When complete, the redevelopment will deliver a significantly expanded emergency department, increased theatre capacity, additional inpatient beds, and enhanced maternity, birthing and neonatal services.
Mental health facilities will also be expanded, alongside upgrades to clinical equipment, support services and digital infrastructure.
Importantly, Bunbury Regional Hospital will become home to Western Australia’s first regional healthcare training, education and research centre.
WA Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey stated this $471.5 million investment is part of the state government’s ambitious $3.2 billion health infrastructure program.
State Premier Roger Cook stated: “This project represents the biggest investment in regional health infrastructure ever made in WA, which will deliver more beds and modern medical services for this important region.
“As Western Australia’s largest regional hospital, Bunbury will be a flagship modern health facility – a hub for care, innovation, and education that will service the entire South West region.”
