THREE years after it was due to open its doors, the $1.2 billion Perth Children’s Hospital has today finally opened its doors, signalling a new era in paediatric health care in WA.
Premier Mark McGowan and Health Minister Roger Cook officially opened the state-of-the-art hospital as part of a staged opening.
MORE: Aerial shots show construction of Perth Children’s Hospital
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READ NOWThe staged opening will begin on Monday, May 14 when it welcomes its first outpatients.
Two weeks later, surgery begins in the operating theatres followed by the final patient move from Princess Margaret Hospital and the opening of the emergency department on Sunday, June 10 at 7am.
The 298-bed hospital will have expanded clinical, research and education facilities, and has been purpose-built to improve the hospital experience of patients, parents, siblings and carers.
The beleaguered hospital has been hit with delays after a series of problems including with lead contamination in the water, asbestos in ceiling panels and more recently the detection of the potentially deadly legionella bacteria.
Premier McGowan said today’s opening of the new hospital was an historic day.
“On Monday, when this hospital accepts its first young patients, we will begin a new chapter here at Perth Children’s Hospital and one which will result in better health care and facilities for our sickest kids,” he said.
“This modern state-of-the-art facility will make it easier for doctors, nurses and other health professionals to deliver better health care.
“We have worked hard to get here.
“The community and staff are ready to move to this impressive new facility which will bring real benefits to our State’s children and their families.”
Minister Cook said the hospital opening would change the lives of many families, now and into the future.
“The facilities and technologies here at this hospital are first-class, and the treatment and care that patients will receive here will be second to none,” he said.
“Throughout this project, our first priorities have always remained patient safety and the delivery of the highest standards of clinical care.
“Today represents the culmination of the tireless work of many to get this hospital ready to open, and we can all be proud of this impressive facility which will accept its first patients on Monday.”