Health Minister Concedes Error on Hospital Beds Claim as Ambulance Ramping Hits Record High
Health Minister Meredith Hammat has admitted that her recent claim about the purchase of St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital providing an additional 200 beds to the public system was incorrect. This admission comes as Western Australia grapples with a severe ambulance ramping crisis, with ambulances spending 4,892 hours in limbo outside hospital emergency departments last month, marking the worst February on record.
Growing Concerns Over Winter Health Pressures
The alarming ramping figures have sparked significant concerns from doctors and the Opposition, who warn that the upcoming winter season could exacerbate the situation. Ms Hammat attributed the crisis to an ageing and growing population, stating, "We've been really clear that we want to do more this coming winter." She highlighted the government's winter plan, which includes $140 million in additional investments aimed at securing extra hospital beds to alleviate pressure on the system.
In a candid moment, Ms Hammat apologized for her earlier misstatement, explaining that about half of the Mt Lawley Hospital's beds are already contracted by WA Health. "I'm sorry if I misspoke last week, we've been very clear that the purchase of Mount Lawley hospital will add around 100 additional beds to the public system," she said. The winter plan also allocates $61 million to increase capacity during the colder months, including purchasing capacity in the private sector for elective surgeries.
Major Hospital Upgrades Underway in Perth
Amid the crisis, construction has commenced on a significant upgrade to Osborne Park Hospital in Perth's north. This project is part of a broader $1.8 billion contract with We Build, which also involves developing the new women's and babies hospital in Murdoch. The six-storey expansion at Osborne Park will add approximately 70 more beds, a mother-baby unit, and a family birth centre.
Ms Hammat emphasized the benefits of this upgrade, noting, "It'll allow women who are low risk to choose to have their baby in a safe environment, a less clinical environment, if that's what they want to do." Both the Osborne Park upgrade and the new Murdoch hospital are scheduled for completion in 2029.
Government Defends Timeline Amid Criticism
Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey defended the project timelines against claims that the government has been too slow to respond to increasing demand. He cited the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, "Respectfully, we did have the covid pandemic, and that brought major challenges to the overall health system." Mr Carey added that through the office of major infrastructure delivery, procurement processes have been accelerated to improve efficiency.
He underscored the government's commitment to continuous improvement, saying, "Good government is always about continuous improvement. You never draw a line in the sand and say that's all we can do. The Premier has made it very clear about reforming the way government does business, and I think health infrastructure is a clear example of that." The sod-turning ceremony for the Osborne Park Hospital expansion was attended by Premier Roger Cook, Health Minister Meredith Hammat, and Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey, symbolizing the start of these critical upgrades.
