WA Country Health Service chair Neale Fong tells doctors Margaret River Hospital expansion still not underway

The WA Country Health Service board chair has written to local doctors advising the expansion of the local hospital is still awaiting a State Government budget commitment. Chair Neale Fong responded to the Leeuwin Medical Advisory Committee’s request for an update on the much-needed works relating to a masterplan to expand the Margaret River Hospital campus that has languished without a budget commitment for years. In the letter, Dr Fong told the committee, co-ordinated by local doctors, “the business case submitted has not yet been successful in having funding allocated and approved by Treasury”. Dr Fong said there was no indication of when that allocation might occur, but the case was part of a wider review of “Statewide infrastructure priorities” slated for this financial year. “The Statewide priorities will include consideration of WACHS’ Strategic Asset Plan and priorities, which will include the Margaret River Hospital proposal,” he said. “I note your comments regarding regional growth, significant change in service demand and models of care over time and the ongoing pressure on our health services.” A similar Statewide assessment of WA public schools was also under way before longstanding funding shortfalls to expand Cowaramup Primary School could occur. Vasse MLA and Liberal Party leader Libby Mettam has campaigned on both issues to force the State Government’s hand on what she previously called the “neglect” of Margaret River’s urgent needs in the face of population growth. “The Cook Labor Government have completely dropped the ball on this project, which already has a masterplan and has been identified as a priority by WACHS,” Ms Mettam told the Times. “It is completely soul-destroying for the doctors and nurses who are expected to work in a hospital that requires significant upgrades. “Despite a $17 billion budget surplus over the past three years, a consistent refusal to allocate funding shows this Labor Government does not care about the regions.” A spokesperson reiterated previous State Government advice that the hospital continued to receive investment for the sake of South West residents. The Government also pointed to the pending $200 million Bunbury Regional Hospital project and the WACHS midwifery group practice program. Leeuwin Medical Advisory Committee chairperson Dr Jaimie Drysdale told the Times doctors believed the project was a “high priority” in the WACHS budget. The renewed call for investment comes as the hospital experiences a jump in visitors partly driven by a shortage of local GPs adding to the squeeze on appointments. Dr Fong said he would continue to advocate for the hospital expansion.