Work is set to commence on the $73.3 million redevelopment of Geraldton Health Campus with ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd awarded the contract to deliver forward works.
Premier Mark McGowan and Health Minister Roger Cook today turned the sod to mark the start of construction of stage 1 of the redevelopment.
The initial redevelopment phase includes an ambulance entry on Shenton Street, reconfiguration of the main entry to the hospital, and two new carparks. Ground works are expected to commence soon and be completed in the first quarter of 2021.
Geraldton Health Campus will remain fully operational throughout the redevelopment with detailed design continuing for the main works which will include an expanded emergency department and a new intensive care unit co-located with a redeveloped eight-bed high dependency unit.
A new integrated mental health service, inclusive of a 12-bed acute psychiatric unit and a mental health short stay unit, to support contemporary patient-focused care will also be built as part of the improvements.
The $73.3 million redevelopment is expected to be fully operational in 2023 with the forward works supporting approximately 70 local jobs with additional jobs created through sub contracts yet to be determined.
Additionally, the Geraldton mental health step up/step down service is one step closer after the McGowan Government fast-tracked the project in January, investing $5.6 million.
Geraldton-based contractor Crothers Construction Pty Ltd has been appointed to progress the refurbishment and construction of a 10-bed community mental health step up/step down service, which is expected to support 70 workers as part of the construction process.
Site works will commence soon, and the service is on track to commence early in 2021.
In a further step forward, the process to appoint a service provider for Geraldton has commenced, as well as for the planned step up/step down services in Kalgoorlie and Karratha.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“It’s pleasing to get work underway on the redeveloped $73.3 million Geraldton Health Campus which supports jobs and will create state-of-the-art health infrastructure and build capacity for the region.
“The redevelopment will provide a boost to the local economy during the construction phase, supporting local Geraldton jobs and the wider community.
“So many local people in the community have been involved in developing the design of the new façade so to be able to start ground works means we’re bringing the community vision closer in sight.
“The significant redevelopment was a key health election commitment which puts patients first and ensures we strengthen quality health care for the Mid-West region.”
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“We are committed to supporting people in the regions and providing more options for people to recover from health and mental health issues.
“The start of the forward works means that we are on track with delivering critical infrastructure that will respond to the healthcare needs of local residents.
“We know mental health is just as important as physical health and I’m pleased that part of the overall redevelopment includes a new integrated mental health service that will support Geraldton and the broader Mid-West community.
“The enhanced hospital-based mental health services will complement the Geraldton 10-bed step up/step down community mental health service set to open next year.
“I’d like to acknowledge the advocacy of both Darren West MLC and Laurie Graham MLC who have both been tireless campaigners for the redevelopment of the Geraldton Hospital and development of a community mental health step up/step down.”
Premier’s office – 6552 5000
Health Minister’s office – 6552 6500
