Opposition blasts Government over Margaret River Hospital’s shortcomings

Shadow health minister Libby Mettam has attacked the State Government for inaction after last week’s Times report that Margaret River’s main hospital lacked a back-up surge roster to deal with major emergencies. The Times reported medicos relied on a decades-old system they called “Phone A Friend” whereby off-duty doctors and nurses would rush to the hospital if more than one patient required major treatment. Ms Mettam, whose electorate includes Gracetown and Cowaramup, said Health Minister Roger Cook had to commit actual money to expanding and improving Margaret River Hospital rather than the vague talk in Parliament of the campus being a priority. “Margaret River Hospital is long overdue for upgrades and must be prioritised in this year’s State Budget,” she said. “This is not an unreasonable expectation given questions asked in Parliament recently confirm that the WA Country Health Service has identified the hospital as a priority for expansion as part of its strategic asset planning process.” Ms Mettam said Mr Cook had to “commit to a time frame” for the sake of emergency care and the stress and workload on healthcare staff, “who work tirelessly in substandard conditions”. While Mr Cook did not respond to Times inquiries, WACHS reiterated advice on the hospital’s funding future, including that there was no Treasury allocation in the long-term budget as yet. “The Margaret River Hospital redevelopment is considered a priority for WACHS, however redevelopments across government are subject to relevant funding approvals,” WACHS said. “While the facility’s infrastructure is ageing, Margaret River Hospital continues to deliver high-quality care to the local community. “In line with WACHS’ commitment to maintaining and upgrading capital infrastructure across rural and regional WA, the organisation continues to invest in the facility, including more than $600,000 in maintenance and improvements since 2018-19.” Those upgrades did not include the hospital’s ventilation system, which was a source of angst for local doctors because it meant most patients for surgery were redirected to Busselton and Bunbury. In April, the Times reported GP Shaun O’Rourke saying doctors were concerned about the transfer workload on St John Ambulance volunteers. In Parliament earlier this month, speaking for the health minister, MLC Stephen Dawson said the existing three-year agreement for subcontractors at the hospital expired on June 30. “Subject to successful conclusion of negotiations, a mutually agreed contract is expected to be finalised by this time,” he said. “The Margaret River Hospital redevelopment is considered a priority for WACHS as part of its strategic asset planning process.”