The Western Australian (WA) Government has officially transitioned the Peel Health Campus (PHC) in Mandurah to a government-operated facility.
The move, which marks a significant shift in healthcare delivery for the Peel region, enables the South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) to better integrate and coordinate clinical services across various WA Health sites, enhancing care for local residents.
Around 95% of the current staff members will transition to the hospital, complemented by the recruitment of new personnel.
This will bring the total workforce at PHC to nearly 1,100, including doctors, allied health professionals, nurses, as well as other support staff.
Additionally, a new Aboriginal Health liaison officer role has been established at PHC to further support and engage with the community.
The hospital will benefit from a newly insourced pharmacy service, ensuring that patients will not incur charges for their medications upon discharge.
According to the WA government, the transition process has involved comprehensive updates to information and communications technology (ICT) systems, improvements in equipment, and ongoing support for staff to maintain high standards of clinical care.
Moreover, redevelopment plans for PHC are in progress, with the tender for initial works expected to be announced soon.
The government has currently allocated a budget of A$152m ($100.7m) for this redevelopment project.
This budget will be updated once final planning is complete, with existing funds being used to advance initial revamp works.
The redevelopment effort is expected to enhance the facility, adding more than 60 additional inpatient beds, including those for mental health and 15 palliative care hospice beds.
New features will include an extra operating theatre, a Mental Health Emergency Centre, 12 chemotherapy spaces, expanded outpatient services, and upgraded medical imaging facilities.
The emergency department will be reconfigured, and the day procedure unit will be expanded.
This redevelopment follows a recent A$10m upgrade, which included an expanded emergency department, a revamped nurse call system, additional parking, and increased security.
Furthermore, a new community mental health and specialist eating disorder service is set to open next year, further broadening the hospital’s range of services and support for the Peel community.
WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said: “We are also undertaking a major redevelopment of the hospital to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the region into the future.
“The upgrade will mean more beds, more outpatient services and an additional mental health emergency centre for the local community.”
