On Thursday (23 April 2015) morning, the Prime Minister and Cabinet officially opened the new hospital at Sataua.
Delivering the opening address, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi noted that the opening of Sataua Hospital was the culmination of yet another important milestone for the strengthening of health services in Samoa, particularly for the communities living in north western Savaii. These communities can now rely on health services provided closer to home.
“These developments are important for families and communities in Savaii because many of them travel all the way to Apia for treatment. This new hospital will provide health services for thousands of people in this part of the country,” said Tuilaepa.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the Government’s commitment to the Coastal Infrastructure Management and Health Strategies in place to ensure improved infrastructure and services for communities affected by climate change, and acknowledged the Australian Government for the financial assistance that saw the 3.7 million tala project completed in 9 months.
Tuilaepa also spoke of population growth and demand for health services, and that future developments are inevitable with an increase in population. He pointed out that the demand needs to come from district hospitals so adequate personnel can be assigned and kept busy, instead of spending more time without patients because many residents choose to travel all the way to Apia. He encouraged all residents to make good use of the new facilities.
The new hospital includes staff quarters, public rest area, washing facilities, standby generator, water tanks with capacity of 60,000L, carparking and perimeter fencing.
Services at the new hospital include:
- Emergency and Outpatient;
- Maternity;
- 2x Inpatient Wards for male and female;
- Maternal health and Community Outreach supported by medical services once a week accompanied by mobile dental, pharmacy and radiography services.
The buildings are cyclone-proof, in compliance with Samoa’s National Building Code and New Zealand building standards.
Construction was undertaken by Schwarz Construction Ltd whilst Kramer Ausenco were construction supervisors and in charge of design.
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