Pandemic pauses hospital upgrades

Upgrades to the emergency department at the Peel Health Campus have been delayed as a precaution with the State Government bolstering preparations to combat COVID-19.

Work on the hospital’s emergency department and short stay ward was due to start last week, however concerns were raised that this would halve the waiting-room capacity.

The upgrade work has been delayed in case extra waiting room space is needed to accommodate potential COVID-19 patients. The work is now scheduled to start in October.

Health Minister Roger Cook said work would begin sooner if the COVID-19 situation in WA improves.

“The Health Department advises me that delaying the work at Peel is a precautionary measure and in the best interests of patients and local residents,” Mr Cook said.

“As part of the State's pandemic preparation, we are aware that the refurbishment project would limit the hospital's capacity to review high numbers of patients and keep suspected COVID-19 patients isolated from patients in the emergency department.

“There could also be a risk of infection to construction workers.”