AFTER years of frustration over the lack of health services in their area, Harvey residents are being assured an overhaul of the local hospital has arrived.
Leschenault District Health Advisory Council chairperson Amanda Lovitt said plans for the hospital’s expansion were underway.
“We are already beginning to talk about construction times and dates so the community can be assured that things are moving forward,” Mrs Lovitt said.
A $13 million revitalisation is set to boost the infrastructure of the hospital with a shortlist of builders for the project expected over the next month.
Mrs Lovitt said the upgrades could see the town become a “health hub” for the South West.
“Harvey’s placed in a very good spot geographically in terms of it being between Mandurah and Bunbury,” she said.
“That means Harvey could become a hospital of choice for those living in the surrounding areas.”
Harvey residents took to the Bunbury Mail Facebook page last week to express their past disappointment with the hospital.
Mrs Lovitt said she understood the town’s frustration surrounding the health services and reassured residents the upgrades would produce a more efficient facility.
“The upgrade will produce a 24-hour emergency health service and will make accessing the hospital much easier for the community.”
The Harvey Health Service will also receive incentives to lure GP’s from July 1, under changes announced by federal assistant health minister Fiona Nash on Monday.
Harvey was chosen as one of 450 towns to benefit from extra funding to attract skilled doctors.
Minister Nash said the system would redirect funding so smaller towns can retain qualified health professionals.
“It makes more sense to use that money to attract doctors to where the greatest shortages are – small rural and remote communities.”
The development to hospital infrastructure and equipment upgrades is expected to begin in October and will be due for completion in early 2017.
