The Collie Hospital has been allocated $12.2 million in state government funding to fully refurbish its operating theatre.
With about 720 surgery cases at the hospital each year, the operating theatre has the capacity to deal with hernias, caesarean sections, the excision of lumps, the removal of lesions with skin grafts, carpal tunnels, and vasectomies.
The new funding builds upon the recently completed $7.8 million refurbishment of Collie Hospital in 2017, which included the administration area and main entry, and upgrades to the emergency department.
Earlier this year, it was announced that if Labor was elected to form the federal government, the Collie Hospital project would have been one of seven key health and well-being projects to be rolled out.
Although Labor lost the election, the state government decided to use the Royalties for Regions program to provide the $12.2 million required.
The funding is in addition to the $500,000 already committed in the 2018-19 State Budget for the Valley View Residence in Collie, which needed a significant upgrade, including new therapy equipment, furniture and an outdoor café.
Health Minister Roger Cook said the McGowan Government recognised regional hospitals were important and needed ongoing support.
"This funding for the Collie Hospital will significantly improve the facility and deliver a much-needed new operating theatre," Mr Cook said.
"This investment is about putting patients in regional WA first, providing appropriate health care closer to home and to their family and loved ones."
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said it was great to see Collie Hospital receive the upgrade it needed.
"The $12.2 million to modernise and complete important upgrades to Collie Hospital will create important opportunities for local construction jobs and provide a boost to small businesses in the area," he said.
"It is excellent to see the McGowan Government deliver on yet another election commitment, especially one that will deliver better health care in our community.
"These upgrades will ensure Collie Hospital continues to complement Bunbury Regional Hospital and provide the high level of care close to home that country people expect."
