Perth Children’s Hospital.
Camera IconPerth Children’s Hospital. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Perth Children’s Hospital set for May 14 opening

Sarah BrookesEastern Reporter

AFTER years of delay the opening timeline for the Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) has been announced.

Last month water at the $1.2 billion facility was given the all-clear from lead contamination, paving the way for the hospital to open in May, almost three years later than scheduled.

The hospital will receive its first patients, through outpatient appointments, on May 14.

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Elective surgery will start two weeks later on Monday, May 28.

The final move day for all remaining patients at Princess Margaret Hospital is due to take place on Sunday, June 10 – when the PCH emergency department opens.

Patients from the Bentley Adolescent Unit are also due to arrive at PCH within a week of final move day.

Confirmation of the Perth Children’s Hospital opening schedule follows Health Minister Roger Cook’s announcement that the hospital’s potable water was safe to drink after meeting Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and being signed off by the Chief Health Officer.

Premier Mark McGowan and Mr Cook yesterday confirmed the staged opening timeline during a community tour at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Mr McGowan said more than 1700 West Australians, many of them families, visited the new hospital to go behind the scenes for a free guided tour of the hospital.

“Opening the hospital doors to the WA community as part of the public tours today, offers a snapshot of what the facility will offer and gives significant reassurance to children, families and staff that we have one of the safest and most advanced paediatric hospitals,” he said.

“This Government has tackled the hospital’s water issues head-on. Perth Children’s Hospital has passed an extensive and rigorous testing regime, demonstrating our clear commitment to addressing the key issues and getting the hospital ready to open safely.

“This is an exciting time as we get closer to opening this wonderful paediatric facility, and helping our sickest children and their families and carers.”

Mr Cook said he had full confidence the hospital will be ready to open for outpatients on May 14.

“It is now all systems go, so that we will be able to use this hospital for the reason it was built for – to provide high-quality care and treatment for young West Australians,” he said.

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