State Government, Rio Tinto pitch in to fund $32 million Tom Price Hospital redevelopment

The 54-year-old Tom Price hospital will finally be replaced with the State Government and Rio Tinto announcing a partnership to fund the $32.8 million project. The State Government today it will provide $12.8 million for the project, with Rio Tinto contributing the remaining $20 million to replace the 54-year-old facility. The design is expected to include a modern emergency department with private interview room, consulting rooms for visiting services and a four-bed inpatient ward. New medical imaging equipment and digitally enabled telehealth services will enable care to be provided closer to home and on-country for local communities. In 2019, the WA Country Health Service identified a portion of the vacant land bordered by East Road, Poinsettia Street and South Street as the preferred location for a new Tom Price health service. The Shire of Ashburton wrote to the State Government last September to provide funding to upgrade the ageing facility. Shire President Kerry White told the Pilbara News in September Tom Price was in imminent need of a new hospital and access to a host of health services including mental health services, and access to specialised health practitioners. “The current hospital was built in the late 1960s and while it has received some upgrades since that time, it fails to meet current standards, expectations and requirements that are essential to our community members of today, she said. Health Minister Roger Cook said the signing of the Funding Contribution Deed formalises the partnership between the Department of Health and Rio Tinto to start the replacement of the facility. “Early planning is looking at how services can be integrated and supported by digital technology to improve access and provide patients with timely care close to home,” he said. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Ivan Vella said the organisation had a responsibility to work with both State and local governments to help improve the future of the region. “This new hospital will improve health services for local residents as well as provide opportunities for local businesses to contribute it its construction,” he said. The hospital will remain open throughout the redevelopment.