First patient at St John of God Midland Public Hospital heralds new healthcare era for east metropolitan and Wheatbelt regions

THE first patient has arrived at St John of God Midland Public Hospital from Swan District Hospital this morning.

Margery Short was one of about 83 patients transferred to the new Midland hospital today in the largest single transfer of patients in WA.

St John of God Midland Public Hospital chief executive Glen Power said since the emergency doors opened at 7am 17 people had checked in including mums and children and older people who were feeling unwell.

“We have had all systems fully tested at this stage,” Dr Power said.

“There are 950 staff at work today and there is plenty of parking.”

The Hospital has 900 car bays.

Dr Power said he expected the patient numbers to continue to climb, so by December 8, the hospital would have overall occupancy across all ward areas.

“It’s been an incredible first day so far,” Dr Power said.

“Most areas of the hospital are represented; including a woman is in the birthing suite at the hospital and expected to give birth today.”

Swan District Hospital, which has served the community for the past 61 years, closed today.

Premier Colin Barnett, who officially opened the new hospital in Midland last Friday, said the hospital was expecting more than 30,000 admissions in the first year.

“I have no doubt that this public hospital under the management of St John of God will provide magnificent health services for the people of this community,” he said.

St John of God Health Care Group chief executive Michael Stanford said today was a momentous occasion for St John of God Health Care (SJGHC), after many years of preparation to ensure the new hospital provided high quality public health care for the area.

“In establishing this wonderful new facility, we have consulted widely with the community about the hospital’s role and have developed extensive plans to integrate its services with local activities,” Dr Standford said.

“We have also been working hard to ensure the hospital respects the diversity of the catchment area and creates a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.”

St John of God Public Midland Hospital is part of the State Government’s Bigger Picture Health $7 billion hospital building and refurbishment program. It is jointly funded by State and Federal Governments and operated by SJGHC under a public-private partnership.

The facility includes the co-located 60-bed St John of God Midland Private Hospital which also opened at 7am today.