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Health services within the south metropolitan area are undergoing a major transformation,
not only due to the opening of Fiona Stanley Hospital but also to deliver a stronger modern
health service that continues to meet the growing needs of West Australians.
This significant change in our public health system highlights more than ever the important
role of the Rockingham Peel Group -- that is Rockingham General Hospital, Murray Districts
Hospital, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health and Mandurah and Kwinana Community
Health Centres - in the future delivery of enhanced healthcare.
It's important to note that the Rockingham Peel Group caters for a different population
group to the rest of the State. Our population density is higher, with 353 people per square
kilometre, compared to 220 people for the metro area and we have a larger percentage
of children under the age of 14 years. These population statistics ultimately determine
the level and range of services we offer at our hospitals as we look ahead to 2014 and
beyond. Currently, Rockingham and Murray District
hospitals provide between them services including general medical, surgical and emergency services.
With a focus on providing quality care closer to home, the hospital will continue to provide
a range of surgery, intensive care, emergency, obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatal, chemotherapy,
mental health, aged care, paediatric and rehabilitation services.
By 2014, Rockingham General Hospital will have fully transitioned to a 232-bed general
hospital, while the 15-bed Murray District Hospital will continue to provide inpatient
aged care services as well as palliative care and allied health services.
Our health service will also continue care for our community via a vast range of services
across mental health and allied health sites with Peel and Rockingham Kwinana Mental Health
and the Mandurah and Kwinana Community Health Centres being central to the delivery of this
care. Whilst our changes continue as part of our
transition into a general hospital, there are many changes occurring at other locations
-- Fremantle and Royal Perth hospitals -- with the opening of Fiona Stanley Hospital. Although
these changes don't directly impact staff at the Rockingham Peel Group, I still recommend
that all staff remain up to date by regularly visiting the SMHS reconfiguration intranet
page, reading the e-news and attending any future reconfiguration sessions that may apply
to your profession or are held on-site. It's an exciting time for all of our hospitals
and our health service as we work together to tackle the challenges that lie ahead, ensuring
an even stronger health service for our local community and realising our SMHS vision of
One Focus, One Team, One Service.