Premier Mark McGowan said extensions to Northam Regional Hospital will revolutionise the way regional partients are treated during a visit to the site in October.
Mr McGowan took a tour of the under-construction facilities during a day trip to the Avon Valley.
Talking to the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt Advocate Mr McGowan said he is pleased to see the extensions take place.
“Northam is a major regional centre and having an upgraded hospital will be an important improvement,” he said.
“The hospital is now 23 years old so this is no doubt a much needed improvement.
“The $52 million in funding is a major improvement.
“We’re pleased to see it happen and I look forward to coming back and opening it.”
In an update from the WA Country Health Service a spokesperson said the facility is on track to be completed by mid-2019.
The new outpatients wing, inpatient ward extension, refurbished kitchen, the supply receivals area and engineering department have been completed.
Still under construction is new emergency department expansion which is expected to be completed in late November with services transitioning in mid-January.
The chemotherapy, pharmacy and learning and development area was handed over to builders in early October with completion scheduled for February 2019, with transition occurring in March and April 2019.
WA Country Health Service spokesperson said the move into the new outpatients took place on October 3 with staff currently settling into the new space.
Artwork made by local artists is being installed progressively as the stages are completed.
The Ambulatory Care building artwork has been installed, with the panels near the entry representing pebbles in the local creeks with sunlight reflecting through the water.
