Rockingham hospital marks 40 years of caring

• Local milestone in decentralised healthcare

• Extended services now include chemotherapy and intensive care 

Health Minister John Day today congratulated staff at Rockingham General Hospital on their dedication and teamwork, as the healthcare centre celebrates its 40th birthday.

Mr Day said the hospital had expanded the scope of services on offer since opening in 1976 and was now an advanced health facility caring for a diverse community.

"Since the mid-1970s it has trebled in size," he said.

"Rockingham's dedicated staff now expect to see more than 23,000 inpatients, 94,000 outpatients and 54,000 emergency department presentations a year.

"More than 1,700 babies are delivered every year, providing fundamental care to the local community close to home.  Intensive care and chemotherapy are among the other services also provided.

"Rockingham as a thriving hospital that now integrates teaching the next generation of health professionals, with excellent patient care."

The Minister acknowledged the staff and volunteers who worked hard to make the hospital an important and much-appreciated part of the community.

"The key to any successful healthcare service is the people who are committed to delivering caring, high-quality services day-in day-out," he said.

"Rockingham General Hospital is no exception, with some staff who have been with the service since it opened.  There is also great support from more than 200 volunteers.

"Today's celebration is well-deserved and I wish everyone all the best in continuing to provide safe, quality care for many years to come."

Fact File

• The Rockingham Kwinana District Hospital opened on May 28, 1976

• An emergency department was added in 2003

• It was renamed Rockingham General Hospital after a $116 million redevelopment was completed in 2010

• The hospital now provides medical, surgical and mental health services 

Minister's office - 6552 6200