The government of Western Australia, lead by premier Mark McGowan, is delivering a key election commitment to meet the health needs of the South-West communities, some of Western Australia's fastest growing populations. The Bunbury Regional Hospital redevelopment project has been allocated A$ 277.9 million to create the largest regional hospital in Western Australia with enhanced capacity to manage emergencies and the first regional education centre.

The Goals of The Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment Project

Bunbury Regional Hospital is co-located in the South West Health Campus with St John Of God Hospital Bunbury, a private hospital which is part of a large national healthcare group. Both hospitals share an emergency department.

Currently the Bunbury Regional Hospital has 120 beds, a 24/7 busy emergency department, operating theatres, out patient clinics, labour and delivery suite and neonatal cots. It provides standard secondary care, acute and elective medical and surgical services for the population of the south west region of Western Australia. Patients who require tertiary or highly specialised care are transferred to Perth, the closest large city and state capital and the only tertiary medical centre in Western Australia.

The redevelopment project's main objective is to enhance the capabilities and capacity of Bunbury Regional Hospital to manage medium and high risk emergencies locally and hence reduce the need for intercity transport of patients. This permits more patients to receive care locally, more babies to be born close to home and less distressing travel for patients and relatives. It also brings training and career benefits to medical and nursing staff who will be able to upgrade their skills with access to local training, modern equipment and enhanced clinical responsibilities.

The redevelopment project will make Bunbury Regional Hospital the largest health campus in regional Western Australia (outside the Perth metropolitan area) and the new training, education and research centre will be regional Western Australia's first, creating more educational and academic opportunities locally.

The redevelopment includes:

• an expanded emergency department
• increased operating theatre capacity
• new maternity beds (increased from 10 to 20)
• birthing suites (three additional delivery rooms)
• new neonatal services (plus additional neonatal cots)
• mental health facilities
• Western Australia's first regional training, education and research centre
• enhanced digital capability
• additional beds
• new clinical equipment
• 200+ new parking places

Where is Bunbury?

Bunbury is an Indian Ocean coastal city with a large natural harbour located approximately 175 kilometres (109 miles) south of the state capital, Perth, Western Australia.  It is Western Australia's third most populous city after Perth and Mandurah, with a population of approximately 75,000.

Bunbury was established in 1836 on the orders of Governor James Stirling, and named in honour of its founder, Lieutenant Henry Bunbury. The Bunbury Port was constructed on the existing natural harbour soon after, and eventually became the main port for the wider South West region. Further economic growth was fuelled by completion of the South Western Railway in 1893, which linked Bunbury with Perth. The Bunbury Port is the centre of economic activity for the Greater Bunbury sub-region with the flow of goods through it to and from all parts of the world.

The economy of Bunbury is diverse, reflecting the range of heavy and general industries in the locality, mining, agricultural landscapes, services for the growing population, key transport links and the influence of Perth. The mining and mineral processing sector remains the main economic driver for Bunbury. The agriculture sector however, remains vitally important as the value of production equates to approximately 30 per cent of the South West region's agricultural production.

Other vital industries include retail and service industries, building industry, timber production and tourism. Bunbury is home to SIMCOA, which is Australia's only silicon manufacturing company.

On an historical note, the original inhabitants of Greater Bunbury are the Indigenous Australian Noongar people who hunted and fished throughout the sub-region prior to the first European settlement in the 1830s. The area was originally known as "Goomburrup" before the arrival of Lt. Bunbury.

Greater Bunbury includes four local government areas (the City of Bunbury and the shires of Capel, Dardanup, and Harvey), and extends between Yarloop in the north, Boyanup to the south and Capel to the southwest.

Why Work in Bunbury?

Bunbury is a beautiful place to live, work and visit and has something for everyone. The quality of life is one of its biggest attractions offering residents a variety of amenities, schools, shops, beaches and nightlife, all within easy reach. It has everything a family needs including Edith Cowan University and a South Regional TAFE, public and private schools, the South West Health Campus and a range of high quality health services, not to mention an extensive and diverse events calendar.

Bunbury is rich in its art, culture and heritage. Home to Bunbury Regional Art Gallery the largest A class regional gallery in Western Australia, Bunbury is also the region’s cultural and entertainment hub hosting the award-winning Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre. Complementing the cultural and entertainment offerings are the many award winning and exceptional cafés, restaurants and small bars

Bunbury boasts a number of natural and tourist attractions, and is coupled with a Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal holiday destination.

Situated on a peninsula, at the south of the Leschenault Estuary, Bunbury is known as the City of Three Waters, making it an aquatic playground. There’s rumbling surf of the Indian Ocean to the west, the calm waters of Koombana Bay and the tranquil Leschenault Inlet. Surfing, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing and boating are all very popular pastimes.

Jobs for Doctors in Bunbury and the South West Region of Western Australia

Doctors who wish to work in Bunbury or the South West Region of Western Australia in a locum or permanent capacity are invited to register a CV and contact us to discuss opportunities. Currently advertised jobs can be viewed on our website.

Employment contracts offered include the following:

• Locum jobs - consultants, general practitioners and registrars are paid at a daily or hourly rate (please note that locum physicians must hold AHPRA registration and have the right to work in Australia)
  
• Permanent jobs - consultants, general practitioners, registrars and house officers