St John centre opened

Injured Hedland residents are in good hands with a new $4.9 million Port Hedland sub centre officially opened on June 15.

The modern St John ambulance depot and first- aid base at Quinnup Way is a far cry from the ageing sub centre originally build in Hedditch Street, South Hedland, in 1979.

“Due to the design and age of the building, plus expanding operational training and first-aid kit servicing requirements in Port Hedland, the facility had reached the end of its useful life,” St John chief executive Tony Ahern, who attended the event earlier this month, said.

“The investment supports our vision for growth and diversity in the region and will supply the Port Hedland community with a first-class ambulance facility comparable to the latest metropolitan and major country facilities.

“St John plays a vital role in Port Hedland providing ambulance, transfer, training, kit servicing and health promotion services to the broader community.”

The opening included appearances from Senator Dean Smith, BHP’s Chris Cottier, Mayor Camilo Blanco and staff from St John — to tour the building’s eight-bay ambulance garage, two modern first-aid training rooms and a designated first-aid kit servicing area.

Funding for the base was provided through contributions of $2.5 million from BHP, $1.8 million from the Australian Government, with the Town of Port Hedland assisting in land acquisition.

“It will enable continuous improvement of patient outcomes by providing better trained staff and volunteers, and will allow St John to expand its crew capacity,” Mr Ahern said.