Dongara Health Centre staff and residents celebrate official opening
The sun was shining for WA Country Health Service (WACHS) staff and residents who turned out to celebrate the official opening of the $9.86 million Dongara Health Centre earlier this week.
A one-stop shop for healthcare for residents of Dongara, Port Denison and surrounds, the revitalised Dongara Health Centre was delivered in stages to minimise disruptions to patients, staff and residents.
Since the first stage of the redevelopment was completed, the health centre has already:
- Seen more than 7,000 patients through the emergency department
- Supported more than 1,600 outpatients
- Treated more than 1,200 wounds through the wound clinic
- Welcomed 14 new aged care residents
The redeveloped emergency department includes upgrades to sub-waiting, triage and assessment, treatment bay, consult and short stay spaces, staff station and utility rooms as well as an upgraded main entry and waiting area.
Allied health, dental, community and child health services are all available in the same space, supporting more integrated care, and better health outcomes for Dongara patients.
The centre also features virtual care technology to further support the delivery of care close to home.
And as part of WACHS’ ongoing commitment to providing compassionate end of life care on country and close to home, the site now features a dedicated palliative care suite.
Sandra Carr MLC representing the Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson noted the contribution of the Wilton family, whose generous bequest helped deliver the upgrades to the residential aged care facility, Blake House.
The bequest is also honoured with a commemorative plaque acknowledging the family in the Blake House gardens.
Representing the Wilton family, WACHS Midwest Advanced Skills Enrolled Nurse Di Knapp spoke about the family’s support for the Dongara community and the health centre over many years.