Forget footy stadiums – we need bums on beds, says AMA(WA)

October 14, 2008

A new, state-of-the-art children's hospital and fast tracking the proposed Fiona Stanley Hospital should have priority over all other major infrastructure projects on the WA Government's wish list, the AMA (WA) said today.

"The new Liberal-National Government would be wise not to put a hold on these long overdue public health projects," said association President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

"West Australians are sick and tired of seeing health take a back seat while governments push ahead with other non-critical, infrastructure developments.

"That message came across loud and clear in the recent election when the community told Labor they had run out of time to 'fix' health."

Prof Geelhoed said if the Government was forced to cut spending by sacrificing some of the big ticket items such as a new football stadium or the East Perth museum, most West Australians would accept this as sensible and fiscally responsible.

But if these projects got the nod ahead of much needed major health developments, there could be serious consequences for the community – and ultimately the Government.

"Going into the election, the AMA made it clear to all major parties that the fundamental problems plaguing health needed to be addressed immediately," said Prof Geelhoed.

In addition to the need for new women's and children's hospitals and the fast tracking of the Fiona Stanley Hospital, the AMA (WA) also called for:

+At least 400 extra hospital beds to prevent overcrowding in Emergency Departments;

+ Better pay and conditions to attract up to 1000 more nurses into public hospitals;

+Initiatives to attract more doctors to regional areas;

+ $100 million to replace the growing list of obsolete medical equipment;

+ Pressure on the Federal Government to provide more aged care beds.

"At the end of the day, West Australians will be a lot happier if they can access the best  health care possible – even if they have to miss out on a seat at the football," said Prof Geelhoed.

"Premier Colin Barnett and Health Minister Dr Kim Hames appear to understand that – and they should not be distracted from the main game."

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