The old Newman hospital is set to receive a significant upgrade as part of the McGowan Government’s Plan for the Pilbara.
The McGowan Government has invested a total of $53.7 million towards the project – including a $15 million contribution by BHP – and will see all clinical facilities upgraded to form a new purpose-built hospital.
The release of the main works package tender marks a significant milestone for the redevelopment, with the existing premises set to remain operational throughout the program of works.
Construction of the new facility will include:
- twelve inpatient beds;
- six emergency department treatment bays;
- outpatient consult spaces and therapy rooms;
- two dental chairs;
- six GP consult spaces; and
- medical imaging as well as a pathology and procedure room.
The new hospital will also benefit from the latest in innovative healthcare technology, including telehealth and videoconferencing capability to connect local clinicians to specialists in the metropolitan area at the touch of a button.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“This marks a significant milestone for Newman Health Service and the local community which the McGowan Government has been committed to delivering.
“I share in their passion to see a contemporary health service up and running as soon as possible and am pleased to see the WA Country Health Service progressing the main works package to tender.
“With the nearest major hospital currently 450 kilometres away in South Hedland, this redevelopment will see locals benefit from improved access to health services in a contemporary, fit-for-purpose facility.
“The new hospital will provide the community of Newman with access to world-class telehealth technology and connect on-the-ground clinicians to specialist care in the metro area in an instant.
“This forms part of the McGowan Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring country communities are able to receive care closer to home.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“The McGowan Government is committed to providing East Pilbara patients with world-class health care through redeveloping the Newman Health Service.
“The new Newman hospital will provide locals with vastly improved access to specialist care through world-class telehealth technology.
“This redevelopment has been asked for by the Newman community for decades, and I am proud that we are able to deliver a new hospital for the Newman community.”
