Redevelopment to Dongara Health Centre completed with $9.86 million injection and ample community consultation

Dongara Health Centre have announced the practical completion of their facilities upgrade project thanks to a $9.86 million injection from the State Government. The improvements, done in three stages, include the expansion of residential aged care facility Blake House from six to 12 beds, including a dedicated palliative care suite. Upgrades to the residential care suites and general living environment have been partially supported by $780,000 from the Commonwealth Government’s multi-purpose service program. Staff support areas have been included in the refurbishment, as well as a contemporary ambulatory care unit, a new consult room with telehealth videoconferencing capability, a dedicated child health room and parking areas. Significant work to the emergency department was completed and includes a dedicated triage reception and assessment bay, upgraded sub-waiting, treatment, consult and short stay spaces, a staff station and an ambulance bay. The redevelopment was undertaken in close consultation with the local community and allows for improved patient flow and more efficient connections between clinical departments and administration. “The people of Dongara, Port Denison and surrounds have played a central role throughout this redevelopment, and I’m extremely pleased to share the news with them that we have reached practical completion,” said Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. The deliberation process was a long-term investment from the community, with stakeholder consultations beginning in 2017.