From the Chief Executive
For 10 years, EMHS has been a cornerstone of clinical excellence, care and compassion for the community.
This anniversary is more than a milestone. It allows us to recognise the commitment of our people, and the trust placed in us by those we serve.
Our staff, leaders, community advisors and volunteers have shaped an organisation grounded in excellence, integrity, innovation and commitment to patient-centred care.
It is a strong foundation for our next phase.
In 2025-26 we embarked on a significant major infrastructure program to build on our current services and take us into the future.
We are looking forward to continuing to work with the Office of Major Infrastructure Delivery and the Department of Health’s Central Commissioning Office on the delivery and commissioning of a number of new builds in EMHS in the coming years.
As you move about the cities or suburbs you may see our new projects taking shape, or, if you are using our services, new facilities or services opening.
One of the most visible additions will be a new multi-storey Royal Perth Hospital Emergency Department (ED) expansion, which will include 2-floors dedicated to a new ED with increased capacity to support current and future healthcare needs.
The vital extension has commenced construction.
Mount Lawley Hospital will join EMHS from September 1, adding 118 beds and 8 operating theatres to the public system.
The hospital has been in an active transition phase ahead of the transfer from St John of God Health Care. As many beds are already used for public patients, the operational change will be gradual for patients and staff rather than sudden.
EMHS was authorised to directly employ existing staff, and workforce planning has been well underway.
The State Government allocated $225 million in its 2026-27 State budget to buy, commission and begin Mount Lawley Hospital operations.
St John of God Midland Public Hospital (SJGMPH) will increase capability with the full transition of 60 private beds to public from August.
The Byford Health Hub will give people in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale access to specialist health and community care closer to home. Construction began in November 2025, with the facility due to be completed and opened in 2027.
Meanwhile, a Bentley Surgicentre with 6 operating theatres, 2 procedure rooms and a 24-bed surgical ward, is in a design and early works phase.
A lead architect was appointed in January 2026 and early site preparation began in May.
Progress has also been made on 2 new mental health facilities.
Main works is at tender for an Armadale Mental Health Emergency Centre at Armadale Hospital (AH).
A main works tender was also awarded in April 2026 for a Bentley Secure Extended Care Unit to provide mental health inpatient treatment and rehabilitation at Bentley Hospital (BH).
The scale of the new projects reflects the growing needs of our community and our determination to meet those needs with continued excellence.
Alongside our strategic expansion we are also prioritising our current infrastructure, investing in maintenance and upgrading to uphold the highest standards of care and safety for our patients.
This will ensure our existing sites – RPH, AH, Kalamunda Hospital, BH, SJGMPH and our network of community services – remain at the forefront of health care in WA.
Sector-wide challenges have shaped the environment in which we operate, and our organisation is responding.
Our focus on reducing ED wait times and avoidable ED presentations, moving care closer to home, and prevention and early intervention initiatives, confirm our commitment to collective advancement.
Importantly, we are positioning the organisation to continue delivering the high-quality care that has defined our first 10 years.
Joel Gurr
Chief Executive EMHS
Professor Grant Waterer (Executive Director, Medical Services), Sandra Miller (Executive Director, Mental Health), Chris Barton (Chief Information Officer), Ann Blunden (A/Executive Director, Strategy, Planning and Performance), Neil Cowan (Executive Director, Finance and Business Performance), Sarah–Louise Laing (A/Executive Director, Armadale Kalamunda Group), Wade Emmeluth (A/Executive Director, Corporate Services and Contract Management), Joel Gurr (Chief Executive), Dori Lombardi (A/Executive Director, People and Culture), Anne–Marie Presho (Director, Office of the Chief Executive), Lara Moltoni (Executive Director, Patient Experience and Clinical Excellence), Ben Noteboom (Executive Director, Royal Perth Bentley Group), Chandima Hiyare-Hewage (Executive Director, Infrastructure), Danielle Kilmurray (A/Area Director, Allied Health)
Absent: Kylie Fawcett (A/Executive Director, Nursing and Midwifery Services), Francine Eades (Area Director, Aboriginal Health)