Redeveloped Newman Health Service emergency department opens doors

The emergency department of the new $61.4 million Newman Health Service has officially opened after stage one works reached practical completion last month. People attending for services including medical imaging, pathology, mental health and all outpatient appointments will be able to access the hospital from the new main entrance off Mindarra Drive. The old emergency department will be closed. The Newman Health Service upgrade includes 12 inpatient beds, six emergency department bays, two dental chairs, six GP consult spaces and a medical imaging, pathology and procedure room. It will also have two new resuscitation bays and be telehealth-enabled, and provide other services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. The State Government announced on April 29 the stage one works had reached practical completion, with stage two works now in progress. Premier Mark McGowan said Newman and nearby Pilbara communities should have access to modern, quality healthcare closer to home. “The opening of the new emergency department is a significant component of the redeveloped hospital, and I’d like to thank our health staff and local residents for their support and patience during the construction phase of the hospital upgrades,” he said. “I am looking forward to the completion of all the major works as part of the redevelopment, which will go a long way in supporting and benefitting the local community for generations to come. “It’s important that big operators which play a significant role in our regional towns contribute to the revitalisation of community assets and infrastructure for future generations. This is something BHP has done, and I thank them for their involvement.” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the state-of-the-art emergency department would serve the Newman community well. “The new health service also features art pieces by Nyiyaparli and Martu artists, which is incredibly important in showcasing our local artists and the heart of the Newman community,” he said.