$1.9m upgrade for far west NSW health district

By PETER ROWE

Indigenous Communities in Far West NSW will benefit from a $1.9 million funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities in the region.

Projects in Far West Local Health District include upgrades to Broken Hill hospital and to the Wilcannia multi-purpose support service, improving patient experiences at White Hill Heath Service and creating community walking track and memorial garden at Menindee Health Service for Aboriginal communities to place a plant of their choice in remembrance.

“This Government’s $1.9 million investment as part of the Rural Minor Works Program will allow Far West Local Health District to carry out critical upgrades to equipment and health facilities,” NSW Health minister Ryan Park said.

“The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Full list of of projects:

• $500,000 to upgrade Broken Hill Hospital’s Central Sterilising Service Department’s Electronic Tracking System and Instrument Management System, with the work to be completed in three phases.
• $250,000 to Wilcannia Multi-Purpose Service to support essential safety measures for health staff who travel in and around the facility during all hours. This will include installation of security lighting, cameras, wet-weather ground coating, installation of duress alarms to outside areas with increased range and durability, a fire panel upgrade, and installation of perimeter fencing.
• $250,000 to purchase a Transperineal Biopsy of the Prostate ultrasound machine and biopsy probe at Broken Hill Hospital which will assist the urology service with diagnosis.
• $220,000 to support the repurposing of a medical records room and an unused bathroom to toilet and shower facilities for emergency department and palliative care patients at Wilcannia MPS.
  $190,000 to upgrade waste sanitisers across the District.
• $170,000 for three projects at White Cliffs Health Service to improve patient experiences and support staff safety. This includes the installation of an accessible patient toilet, upgrading CCTV cameras, and soundproofing the waiting room.
• $160,000 for key clinical equipment for a new Renal Dialysis Unit currently being developed at Wilcannia MPS. These include an ECG machine, a dedicated virtual care unit for clinical support, and a pan sanitiser to meet infection prevention and control guidelines.
• $90,000 to create a community walking track and memorial garden at Menindee Health Service for Aboriginal communities to place a plant of their choice in remembrance. The project will also enable patients to exercise to improve their mental and physical health, as well as reflect in a culturally safe and appropriate environment.
• $75,000 to upgrade the front entry at Tibooburra Health Service to improve safety for staff and patients. Works will also be undertaken to improve comfort and liveability of staff accommodation.