Patients undertaking dialysis at the Kalgoorlie Health Campus will soon have the choice of being able to reside at the new 19-bed Kalgoorlie Renal Hostel, which has reached practical completion.
The new hostel will help reduce patient demand on other renal accommodation options in Kalgoorlie.
The $7.4 million facility is located on Porter Street, in close proximity to the Kalgoorlie Health Campus. It consists of five accommodation blocks and three amenity blocks including a reception, kitchen, dining area, activity room and laundry.
The hostel will initially be managed by the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) and is expected to service at least 14 different Aboriginal groups by providing safe and secure accommodation in a respectful and culturally appropriate setting.
The new facility is expected to be operational in September and local Aboriginal business Yonga Djena is currently undertaking landscaping works.
The project received the capital funding under the Commonwealth Government’s $45.8 million Bringing Renal Dialysis and Services Closer to ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ program, with the McGowan Government funding the ongoing operational costs of the hostel.
As part of the McGowan Government’s WA Recovery package, $18.8 million has been allocated to support the operating costs of WACHS renal hostels in regional WA.
This includes the newly completed Kalgoorlie Hostel, as well as renal hostels in Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Kununurra and Carnarvon. Other renal hostels, such as the one in South Hedland in WA are funded through the Commonwealth’s Aboriginal Hostels Limited.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“Having a local renal hostel in Kalgoorlie will mean that renal dialysis patients are able to seek treatment for their renal health needs closer to home.
“We know there is a distinct correlation between receiving healthcare close to home and positive health outcomes and the McGowan Government is focused on ensuring country communities have access to the services they require.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
“Our Goldfields community has strong family and inter-generational links. The renal hostel will help ensure they are treated in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
“A local renal hostel allows people to remain connected to their family and friends while undergoing treatment.
“I am also delighted to see a local Aboriginal company was awarded the landscaping work, every local job matters during these difficult economic times.
“Running the Kalgoorlie hostel will also result in approximately six local jobs.”
