Hospital workers relying on Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, WACOSS to push for change

A forum last month was told of widespread concern from hospital workers about surging workloads that is at risk of falling on deaf ears, according to the WA Council of Social Services. WACOSS deputy chief executive Rachel Siewert said the forum collected feedback directly from the Margaret River community and those on the front line in social services and featured a strong focus on the Margaret River Hospital. The meeting was told frontline workers’ cases had increased about 17 per cent in the latest figures. Data provided by WACHS put the increase of non-urgent cases up 15 per cent, with a slight downturn in urgent matters. But while the forum’s feedback included concerns about a surge in mental health presentations, WACHS said their figures showed only a marginal rise. Ms Siewert said adequate healthcare underpinned the region’s quality of life and the wellbeing of residents, and praised the local shire in advocating for better services. “The social determinants of health are under pressure in Margaret River,” she said. “It was very obvious the local government is trying to be proactive.” The shire council will vote next week on the make-up of its new advocacy committee, which the Times understands will take on the hospital staffing issue, among others. Earlier this month the Times reported deputy shire president Tracey Muir said the council understood WACHS had promised a psychiatric liaison nurse more than 12 months ago and nothing had happened, adding to significant burdens on staff as well as police. Inquiries to Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson’s office failed to provide clarity on the psychiatric liaison nurse pledge. A spokesperson said more information was needed to investigate the matter, with WACHS maintaining they were any commitments around the position. “We’d welcome the opportunity to meet with the local government authority to discuss any feedback – including the potential to appoint a psychiatric liaison nurse at the facility,” the spokesperson said. Shire president Julia Meldrum said the State Government had to recognise the growth, as well as pressure from tourism, flowed onto the local hospital. “We’re a rapidly growing community and unfortunately our hospital and its services haven’t grown at the same rate,” she said. “Everyone in our community deserves to have access to local support services when they need them.” Unfulfilled promises at the hospital were also raised in Parliament last week by Opposition health spokesperson Martin Aldridge.