The Western Australian Government has acknowledged the urgent need for reform in its hospital system, responding to months of pressure from health professionals and patients. Following a maintenance audit, the Government is now tasked with addressing the deteriorating conditions of the State’s hospitals, which have been criticized for being inadequate and underfunded.
Government Response to Health System Crisis
For a long time, the Cook Government appeared oblivious to the deteriorating state of Western Australia’s health facilities. Despite numerous warnings from doctors and nurses, the Government maintained the narrative that the health system was “world-class.” This assertion was challenged by the Australian Medical Association, which urged Premier Roger Cook to reconsider such descriptions in light of crumbling infrastructure and overwhelmed hospitals.
After significant public outcry and the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of dollars, the Government reluctantly conducted a hospital maintenance audit. Preliminary findings from this audit have been released, although the full report has not been made public. The results indicate a troubling lack of maintenance and planning within the health infrastructure.
Audit Findings Highlight Systemic Issues
The audit, which was led by former Health Department head Neale Fong and ex-under-treasurer Michael Barnes, reveals that the current maintenance program is largely reactive and poorly managed. Essential maintenance work has faced long delays, leading to facilities suffering from issues such as leaking roofs, mould, and crumbling facades.
“Other jurisdictions, such as Queensland and New South Wales, set themselves targets regarding overall maintenance spend as a percentage of asset replacement value or the proportion of expenditure on planned versus reactive maintenance,” the report states.
This statement underscores a stark contrast between the operational strategies of Western Australia and those of other states. The audit found no dedicated asset renewal program or key performance indicators, indicating a fundamental lack of strategic planning.
In response, Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey confirmed that the Government agrees to implement all eight recommendations outlined in the audit. This includes adopting a more proactive approach to maintenance and planning for the future of health services in the region. Carey indicated a willingness to take responsibility for these improvements and has committed to ensuring accountability.
Although this commitment signals a positive step forward, the real challenge lies in the execution of these reforms. Delivering on the promise of a “world-class” health system will require sustained effort and significant investment in infrastructure upgrades.
As Western Australians await tangible improvements, the onus is on the Government to demonstrate that it can transform its health services into a system that meets the needs of its population. With the audit findings highlighting critical shortcomings, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, but it is essential for the well-being of the community.
