The state government has confirmed construction on the Peel Health Campus emergency department upgrades will not begin until October 1.
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Last week, the Mandurah Mail reported works, which were originally scheduled to begin in February, would be postponed for at least two weeks amid concerns of a potential coronavirus outbreak.
West Australian Health Minister Roger Cook said construction was "basically tools ready" but would be held back to ensure the capacity of the emergency department would not be reduced during the coronavirus "crisis".
The delays to accommodate potential coronavirus patients is part of the state government's pandemic preparation.
There could also be a risk of infection to construction workers.
- Health Minister Roger Cook
Construction on the emergency department and short stay ward were set to include a new fast-track triage area with improved patient privacy, new waiting room and seven additional beds.
However, the Department of Health said they were concerned works would temporarily halve the emergency department waiting room capacity - preventing isolation of patients from those with possible coronavirus.
Construction is now not set to begin until October 1, 2020, with the possibility to start sooner if the COVID-19 situation improves in WA.
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Mr Cook said delaying work was a precautionary measure and "in the best interests of patients and local residents".
"As part of the state's pandemic preparation, we are aware that the refurbishment project would limit the hospital's capacity to review high numbers of patients and keep suspected COVID-19 patients isolated from patients in the emergency department," he said.
"There could also be a risk of infection to construction workers.
"To ensure all patients are provided with the best, most appropriate care, the emergency department upgrade will now start in October 2020."
