Work starts on Busselton hospital

Construction on the new $120 million Busselton Health Campus was officially marked with a ground-breaking ceremony on site today.

Health Minister Kim Hames joined Vasse MLA Troy Buswell in turning the first sod.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Buswell acknowledged the difficulties in planning for the hospital, involving environmental permits and accessing funding.

Doric Constructions has been named the preferred building contractor, and has previously worked on the Port Hedland hospital and Albany Entertainment Centre.

“The way is now clear for preliminary works to be completed which will include site fencing and tree clearing,” Dr Hames said.

“The new campus will include a total of 64 overnight and 20 same-day beds including a renal unit, two theatres, a procedure room and an expanded emergency department.”

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the re-development would see all clinical services in Busselton centralised to one site.

“Once complete, the Busselton Health Campus will be one of the South-West’s major sub-regional health centres with both a new community health centre and a new community mental health centre,” the minister said.