Opposition cracks it over lack of funding allocation for Margaret River Hospital master plan

The Opposition has unloaded on the State’s Labor Government and local members including Jane Kelsbie for failing to support the Margaret River region. Opposition Leader Mia Davies and health spokesperson Libby Mettam expressed frustration no extra support was given to Margaret River’s overworked hospital in last week’s State Budget. “The local Labor member is clearly failing to advocate on behalf of her community, but our team in Opposition will continue to push for much-needed funds for the Margaret River upgrades,” Ms Davies said. The pair repeatedly pointed to weeks of Premier Mark McGowan “boasting” of a $5.7 billion Budget surplus, which underscored their astonishment no added funds were assigned to a long-awaited expansion plan for the local campus. The funding call follows months of Times reports outlining frustration of local doctors at a dumbing down of services at the campus, in favour of a big increased workload for volunteer ambulance drivers transferring patients with complex needs to Busselton and Bunbury. “This Government is spending money hand over fist to repair five years of neglect in our health system, but once again Margaret River has been overlooked,” Ms Davies said. Ms Mettam said the WA Country Health Service identification of the project as a priority had “fallen on deaf ears”. “This disappointing and short-sighted decision to ignore the needs of Margaret River locals only adds to the demand on resources and the pressure on health workers at other hospitals and health campuses in the region,” the shadow health minister said. Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the Budget already showed significant investment of benefits to Margaret River residents. Despite the criticisms of Bunbury-based services, the minister pointed to the pending $200 million Bunbury Hospital redevelopment, as well as the rollout of the midwifery group practice model for Margaret River. “When complete, Bunbury Regional Hospital will be the biggest in regional WA, reflecting its role as an important community healthcare hub for the entire South West region,” she said. Responding to criticism, Ms Kelsbie pointed to Statewide health measures in the Budget — “and the Margaret River region will benefit significantly from this increased support”. But she was unable to confirm any tangible inclusion of Margaret River in the Budget apart from funding to ensure nurses were on duty at all times at hospital emergency departments. “What is most important is for the doctors, nurses and services to be available when people need them,” Ms Kelsbie said. “That is exactly what this Budget does for the Margaret River region and beyond. “Margaret River Hospital continues to deliver high-quality care to the local community and our outstanding healthcare workers continue to offer exceptional care. “I’ve met recently with the regional director and will always advocate to ensure our regional communities have access to first-class health services,” Ms Kelsbie said. The Warren-Blackwood MLA, who replaced the Nationals’ Terry Redman at last year’s election, also cited $18.5m to expand Child and Adolescent Mental Health and a $5.1m boost to mental health telehealth services.