Hospital builder aims to employ local

Cockram Constructions has been awarded the tender for the State Government’s $41.8m Onslow Hospital build, with construction starting last week.

The facility is slated for completion in mid-2018 and Cockram is currently working on its procurement process to get local people involved in the project.

Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Chantelle King said local business would be buoyed by the hospital project.

“Cockram is really keen to support local business and employ local where possible,” she said. “They got the contract on Friday and by Tuesday they had already joined up with the chamber.”

Ms King said meetings with Cockram and local businesses had so far been productive.

Health Minister John Day said the new facility would have a range of extra services for the community.

“Residents will have the services of an expanded three-bed emergency department, a six-bed inpatient unit with single rooms each with ensuites, a digital imaging department and telehealth links for rapid access to off-site emergency specialists,” he said.

“It will also have new pathology, dental, child health, community mental health, community health nursing, physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy and counselling facilities.”

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Onslow Health Service construction and design would support up to 530 jobs.

The Onslow Hospital is part of the $194.1 million North West Health Initiative.

Funding of the health service redevelopment includes $22 million from Wheatstone LNG.