Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies has welcomed the start of construction this month to redevelop the Northam Hospital.
The $42 million project forms part of the $500 million Royalties for Regions-funded Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI) and is one of 26 hospitals and health centres in the Wheatbelt to undergo new builds or upgrades.

Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Martin Aldridge MLC, local MP Mia Davies MLA and Nationals WA candidate for the Agricultural Region Leigh Ballard at Northam Hospital. Picture: Nationals WA
Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Martin Aldridge MLC, Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA and Nationals WA candidate for the Agricultural Region Leigh Ballard at the Northam Hospital.
Ms Davies said the construction contract, which has been awarded to West Australian company Pindan, would support almost 300 jobs over its two year duration.
“The overhaul of Northam District Hospital is one of the biggest regional hospital redevelopments being undertaken through the WA Country Health Service’s capital works program,” she said.
“New and upgraded infrastructure will provide the people of Northam and surrounds access to better health services and save many trips to Perth for the level of care and service delivery expected by country patients.”
Upgrades will expand the emergency, surgical and sterilising departments, chemotherapy services and introduce renal services.
Other refurbishments include a larger inpatient unit, specialist consulting rooms, upgraded kitchen, an outpatient centre for child health, mental health and occupational health services and a new hospital entrance.
Member for the Agricultural Region Martin Aldridge said Royalties for Regions continued to make a significant investment in regional health.
“We have established the successful Emergency Telehealth Service, attracted more GPs to country towns, improved emergency care and residential aged care facilities,” he said.
“We are upgrading health services in Beverley, Dalwallinu, Goomalling, Wongan Hills, Wyalkatchem, York, redeveloping Merredin Hospital and building a new health centre in Cunderdin with 24/7 emergency care.”
Ms Davies added that the return of maternity services at Northam Health Service were progressing after she wrote to the Health Minister and presented an 800-signature petition to Parliament last year.
“The WA Country Health Service has developed a business case for establishing and maintaining safe obstetric services in Northam,” she said.
“Reinstating obstetric and maternity services in Northam would support women and their families in this region and relieve Perth’s maternity hospitals.”
For media enquiries please contact Mia Davies on 9622 2871 (Northam office), 9041 1702 (Merredin office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au.