Narrogin sub-centre opens new patient transfer facility at Narrogin Aerodrome

• St John WA’s Narrogin sub-centre does about 280 Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) transfers per year.
• The previous transfer facility at the Narrogin Aerodrome was built in the 1980s and did not properly accommodate the needs of patients and modern-day ambulances.
• The Narrogin sub-centre funded most of the $257,000 build, with the help of a $30,000 State Government contribution via the local Shire and thousands donated by community groups.

Hundreds of Wheatbelt patients needing to be flown to Perth for treatment will benefit from a new $257,000 St John WA transfer facility at Narrogin Aerodrome.

The 270 square-metre purpose-built facility has:

• A two-bay drive-through garage, specifically designed for ambulance access,
• A climate-controlled patient treatment room with two reverse-cycle air conditioning units,
• Unisex disabled toilet and shower facilities,
• And a driveway for vehicle access and front verandah for weather protection.

Construction began in February last year after more than two years of delay due to COVID-19, with the facility becoming operational in August.

The previous facility built in the 1980s had inadequate space and access for modern-day ambulances, forcing them to reverse in. The facility also had insufficient lighting, no climate control for patient comfort and little patient privacy due to the entrance being open to the public, with no prescribed waiting areas for crews.

St John WA Executive Director of Ambulance Operations Deon Brink officially opened the facility on Saturday, February 18, and commended Narrogin volunteers and their community for their tireless dedication to patient care.

“I would like to thank the Shire of Narrogin, the State Government and all those in the community who generously contributed to this project, especially our volunteers who undertook countless funding drives on top of answering people’s calls in their hours of need,” Mr Brink said.

“Narrogin sub-centre has four ambulance vehicles and does about 280 Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) transfers per year.

“It is a vital hub to the people in the Wheatbelt and it could not be achieved without the goodwill and support of the Narrogin community.”

Royal Flying Doctor Service WA chief executive officer Judith Barker said they were delighted with the new transfer facility in Narrogin.

“Congratulations and thank you to the St John WA team, partners and the local community for making this happen,” Ms Barker said.

“This facility will undoubtedly improve the patient experience during the transfers process between our services.”