Australia has welcomed the transition to full 24/7 health service delivery at the recently opened Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre.
On Tuesday, just six weeks after initial opening, the 24/7 Birthing Centre commenced operation, and the Urban Health Centre extended its hours of operation to round-the-clock primary medical care.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach congratulated the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Honiara City Council for making the most of the $250 million state-of-the-art facility.
“The swift transition to 24/7 low risk birthing and primary medical care, 365 days a year, is a significant step up for integrated healthcare and easing pressure on the National Referral Hospital,” High Commissioner Roach said.
“It also underlines how quality infrastructure, and a well-trained and well-prepared system, can quickly adapt and respond to government and patient priorities,” he added.
After just six weeks of operation, over 8,400 people have visited the Centre, including over 3,000 outpatient appointments, 603 GP appointments, and 238 dental appointments.
Centre Director Dr Anniver Aitorea said the centre has been busy from day one, with the centre’s ‘one-stop’ care reducing the need for multiple follow-up visits.
“With onsite pathology and x-ray, our doctors can get blood tests or x-rays done immediately for on-the-spot diagnosis and treatment,” Dr Aitorea said.
“This will reduce the need for follow up review appointments – which is good for patients and doctors,” she added.
The opening of Birthing Centre services this week will more than double birthing capacity in Honiara, with five World Health Organisation-standard “respectful delivery” birthing suites.
“All-hours healthcare, right in the heart of Naha, will ensure faster, better care for patients, and enable the specialist medical teams at the National Referral Hospital to focus on critical and emergency cases.” Dr Aitorea said.
High Commissioner Roach said the success of the Centre was a testament to the hard work and partnership of the Solomon Islanders and Australians who were involved in designing, building and operating the facility.
“It’s very satisfying to see Naha quickly become a well-used, much-loved facility, and demonstrate the benefit of its modern, one-stop, integrated healthcare,” the High Commissioner said.
“The Centre is achieving beyond our expectations and shows what we can do together to improve health infrastructure and services in Solomon Islands.”
Australia will continue to support the Centre as it transitions to 24/7 operation to ensure safe and seamless care.
The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre offers a comprehensive range of low-risk birthing and outpatient and primary healthcare services under one roof, including x-ray, laboratory testing, maternal and child health services and dental care.
