A quiet Sunday at Peel Health Campus following the discovery of mould in the hospital's air conditioning. Dunbar Services van at the side of the hospital on Sundat afternoon.
The Peel region, home to a rapidly growing population, has been bypassed for important healthcare funding, as the Federal Government announced six new urgent care clinics but excluded Mandurah. The clinics will be established in Bateman, Ellenbrook, Mirrabooka, Geraldton, Mundaring, and Yanchep, despite Peel being the second most densely populated area in Western Australia.
These urgent care clinics are designed to treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, providing an alternative to emergency departments. They aim to alleviate pressure on hospitals, which have been struggling with patient volumes. On Monday, the average wait time at Peel Health Campus was reported at a staggering 100 minutes, with only Royal Perth experiencing longer delays.
When queried about the decision to exclude Mandurah, a government spokesperson did not offer any explanation. The Peel Health Campus has seen increased triage times, impacting the quality of care for its patients. Currently, eight urgent care clinics operate across Western Australia, including one in Rockingham, which has treated approximately 34,000 patients since mid-2023. While the Federal Government has not disclosed how many patients travel from Mandurah to Rockingham for healthcare, anecdotal evidence suggests residents frequently seek advice online to avoid the long waits at Peel.
Growing Healthcare Demands in the Peel Region
The emergency department at Peel Health Campus continues to face significant challenges due to high patient volumes. Despite a modest increase in capacity with the addition of seven short-stay beds in 2021, the facility has not seen substantial expansion. A promised $152 million development remains pending, leaving the hospital struggling to accommodate the needs of over 100,000 residents in Mandurah and more than 20,000 in the Shire of Murray.
The lack of an urgent care clinic in Mandurah is particularly disheartening for local leaders. In 2024, the results of The Murray Region Health and Social Needs Analysis highlighted the urgent need for a new $50 million health hub. This hub would offer a variety of services, including allied health and pathology, aimed at enhancing healthcare access for local residents and reducing the burden on the Peel Health Campus.
According to the report, developed with input from the Federal Government-funded WA Primary Health Alliance, a staggering 37 percent of Murray residents reported having a long-term health condition. Additionally, 51.8 percent of the population is classified as obese, while 28 percent experience high blood pressure and 14.8 percent suffer from high or very high psychological distress. Many residents report traveling to Mandurah or Rockingham to obtain urgent healthcare services.
Dr. Shirley Bowen, Director General of the Department of Health, attributed the increased pressure on hospitals to Western Australia’s ageing population. Mandurah has the state’s highest proportion of elderly residents, with 25 percent of its population aged over 65.
Unmet Promises and Community Frustrations
Recently, the State Government allocated $50 million towards hospital maintenance and improvements. However, none of this funding was directed to the Peel region, despite ongoing issues such as black mould forcing Peel Health Campus to close to patients in 2024. Additional reports of roof leaks have further complicated the situation, with no commitment to address these urgent infrastructure needs.
Residents of Mandurah frequently express their frustration regarding long wait times, staff shortages, and the overall condition of the campus. Concerns have been raised by nurses as well, with one nurse sharing a letter expressing fears for patient safety, citing the deteriorating state of the facilities.
Work is underway for the Kara Maar Specialist Community Eating Disorder Service, which received $4 million in funding from the previous Liberal government, contingent upon its establishment in the Peel region. It has now been four years since the State Government pledged to transition Peel Health Campus back into public management.
The ongoing healthcare challenges in Mandurah and the Peel region underscore the urgent need for investment and action to ensure that residents receive the quality healthcare they deserve.
