The AMA (WA) welcomed the Cook Labor Government’s announcement of a $1.5 billion Building Hospitals Fund and the commitment to significant new hospital projects, including the proposed acquisition of St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital, major redevelopments at Royal Perth Hospital, and a new Peel Health Campus.
After $500 million had been announced for health infrastructure in September, the Government subsequently created the Fund in November, and added $1 billion.
AMA (WA) President Dr Kyle Hoath said: “This is a direct response to the AMA (WA)’s sustained advocacy for greater hospital capacity and investment in new infrastructure. This is a major win for our members and for patients across Western Australia.”
This achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast support and tireless efforts of AMA (WA) members.
“Our members have been unwavering in their commitment to delivering high-quality care, often under challenging circumstances,” Dr Hoath said.
“These are the kinds of investments the AMA (WA) together with the Health Services Union, Australian Nursing Federation and the United Workers Union have strongly campaigned for. It’s been a long and difficult winter, and we cannot have another winter like this.”
We expect these investments will deliver much-needed improvements to Western Australia’s health system, expanding capacity and modernising facilities to better serve our growing community.
It is essential that the new hospital beds and expanded services are matched by a commitment to adequate staffing and recurrent funding. The AMA (WA) urges the Government to ensure the additional capacity is supported by the recruitment and retention of skilled medical, nursing and allied health professionals, so that patient care is not compromised.
“Investment in bricks and mortar must be matched by investment in people,” Dr Hoath said. “We need to see a clear plan for recruiting and retaining the workforce required to staff these new facilities, so that every additional bed translates into real improvements in patient care.”
We are also keen to receive further details on the implementation of these projects, particularly regarding medical and other workforce planning, transition arrangements, and the timelines for delivery.
The AMA (WA) will work closely with the Government to ensure medical practitioners, especially those currently working at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital, are not disadvantaged by these changes. We will continue to advocate strongly to protect our members’ interests and to maintain high standards of patient care throughout the transition.
“Our priority remains the wellbeing of our members and the patients they serve,” Dr Hoath said.
We look forward to ongoing engagement with the Government as these landmark projects progress, and working with our members to build a stronger, more resilient health system for all Western Australians.
