Northam surgery for Narrogin

The WA Country Health Service has confirmed some patients needing surgical treatment in Northam will be transferred to Narrogin due to a $42 million redevelopment of the Northam Health Service. The Observer understands Northam Hospital patients, nurses and doctors will be taken to and from the Narrogin hospital until construction is finished at the end of May. A WACHS spokeswoman said the arrangements were put in place while the Northam Health Service was redeveloped as part of the commitment to deliver contemporary healthcare facilities across regional WA. “The current scope of work includes upgrades that will result in a fully integrated theatre complex featuring state-of-the-art technology and will ensure local residents have access to new and improved facilities close to home,” she said. “While construction is taking place and in order to ensure patients receive the clinical care they require, most surgical services will be temporarily relocated to the newly upgraded theatre unit at the Narrogin Health Service.” The WACHS spokeswoman said extensive patient and clinician consultation occurred in the lead-up to the relocations. “Patient safety and care remains our absolute priority throughout this time and this arrangement will ensure patients do not experience unnecessary delays to the elective surgery they require,” the spokeswoman said. WACHS would take care of patient transport and accommodation while in Narrogin, the spokeswoman said. A source close to the Northam Health Service questioned why Midland Hospital was not used instead of taking staff and patients to Narrogin, almost two hours away. The WACHS did not respond to a query about the use of Midland Hospital.