THE first major stage of the $2.3 million Waikerie Hospital redevelopment project has been completed, with the car park now open for visitors and patients to utilise.
The Waikerie hospital building works started on Monday, January 20, and included redevelopment of the main entrance, addressing safety and disability access issues within the car parks, building three extra aged care rooms, and administration and reception upgrades.
Waikerie Health Advisory Committee (HAC) presiding member Justin Loffler said the car park is now open for visitors to use.
“Obviously there has been some setbacks during this entire project due to COVID-19, but we’ve been lucky enough to stay largely on schedule and the rest of the development upgrades should be completed by the end of the year,” he said.
“The first major upgrade, the car park, is done and dusted, with just some landscaping left to do in that area, while the second stage of the works are still ongoing.
“That includes building three extra aged care rooms, along with administration and reception revamping.”
Mr Loffler said he had already heard “very positive feedback” about the new car park shade and accessibility.
“It’s been great to hear so many people responding positively to the car park’s new look,” he said.
“There’s more parking space, easier accessibility, and plenty of shade just in time for the summer.”
Mr Loffler said “tentative plans” were being set to give the redeveloped hospital an official opening next year, in line with the hospital’s 100th anniversary.
“We’d like to tie the two events together, but it will obviously depend on the COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.
“Hopefully, we’ll get the all-clear to hold something next year, but we’ll see.”