The new $207 million medical facility, known as Karratha Health Campus, is on track for practical completion in July. First patients are expected for spring 2018. This news comes after two years to the day since foundations for the health campus were laid.
The 13,000 square metre building is set to feature a significantly expanded emergency department and a new surgical centre, maternity wing and delivery suites. Other improved facilities include: a new 40-bed facility, expanded amenities for outpatients and essential services such as child health and medical imaging, brought together in a single healthcare hub. Aiming to be a ‘one-stop shop’ the new hospital also includes a helipad, enabling helicopter access for patients coming to Karratha from more remote locations.
This news comes after a massive 500,000 hours worked on the hub’s site since construction began, averaging around 100 workers on site each day. The state-of-the-art new health campus will replace the ageing Nickol Bay Hospital. When it opens, the Karratha Health Campus will become the largest health infrastructure investment in regional WA history, and will bring a new-era healthcare to the Pilbara region.
“The development of Karratha Health Campus is the biggest investment ever undertaken in a public hospital in regional WA. It’s a stunning space for us to deliver world-class care to patients,” commented Health Minister Roger Cook.
The design of the campus was inspired by the local flora, in particular the native colours of wattle and senna glutinosa plants. Green, silver, blue and gold accents will be used internally and externally. The Government of Western Australia’s WA Country Health Service have voiced that community consultation was held with local Aboriginals and Elders to ensure designs, landscaping and colours were culturally appropriate for the new campus.
“In line with the Interim Report of the Sustainable Health Review, Karratha will host expanded telehealth services which extends the scope of healthcare available locally,” said Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel. The new hospital will enable locals in Karratha to meet with specialists without having to travel to Hedland or Perth, hopefully reducing stress and travel costs.