A NEW unit that will offer special care to patients in critical conditions has been opened at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) today.

Called “High Dependency Unit”, it was officially opened by visiting Australian deputy prime minister Richard Marles and Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana. Australia funded the facility at a cost of SBD$5 million.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Richard Marles was honoured to officially open the new High Dependency Unit at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, alongside Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Togamana.

^{Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles meets the Minister of Health and Medical Setvices during a visit to the National Referral Hospital today.}

“I am honoured to officially open this important new facility – a modern, well equipped, 14 bed high dependency unit – that enables the National Referral Hospital to provide quality care for the most critical patients,” Marles said.

“This new facility will significantly increase the capability of the National Referral Hospital to provide comprehensive acute care services,” he added.

“Australia and Solomon Islands are working together to respond to our shared challenges, including in health and infrastructure. We share a long history of partnership with Solomon Islands on health and other social sectors, which underpin long term economic growth and stability.”

A total of 25 Solomon Islanders worked on the construction project, including four women in electrician and contract administration roles.

The Australian High Commission says the Solomon Islands-Australia health partnership also included refurbishment of an existing building within the hospital, construction of a new disability accessible ablution block, provision of new medical equipment and targeted training for clinical staff.

It added Australia’s partnership also includes clinical support to the National Referral Hospital and Australian volunteer clinicians who are working with counterparts across the hospital including emergency department, paediatrics and diabetic care.

Marles also announced today that seven Solomon Islands clinicians have been awarded Australia Awards Fellowships, for clinical exchange visits to Australian hospitals in their areas of specialty.

He also said Australia will support the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to expand access to essential primary health services across the Solomon Islands.

In public health preparedness for the Pacific Games, Australia has committed to new funding for the national measles and rubella immunisation campaign in July and the second round of the scabies mass drug administration.

Marles left the country this afternoon after a two-day visit.