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Nevertheless, the record participation for HHC 2025 builds substantially on last year’s record, when more than 1,110 DiTs took part. Even more noteworthy than the record-breaking response numbers is that for the first time in the history of the HHC since its inception in 2015, there is not a single F grade to be found on this year’s HHC scorecard, with significant improvements in many areas underpinned by ongoing advocacy efforts and Agreement negotiations facilitated by the AMA (WA).

However, we remain concerned about a number of issues: ongoing workforce shortages; an apparent increase in workload, and associated fatigue and burnout issues amongst DiTs; and the critical need for adequate measures to address these issues, and improve the attraction and retention of DiTs within WA.
Following notable improvement in the Wellbeing category last year, it is disappointing to see an overall decline in results, with both EMHS and NMHS scoring worse than last year and only SMHS improving their results from last year.

On a related note, whilst there is notable improvement within the Morale & Culture category this year, we would like to see further improvement for DiTs feeling able to speak up on workplace issues across the majority of HSPs. However, it is highly encouraging to see all Employers score either A or B grades for Morale & Culture across the board, with WNHS (KEMH) standing out as the most improved, achieving an A grade this year (from a C grade in 2024), followed by CAHS, PathWest, and SMHS all improving to a B grade from a C grade in 2024.

With workforce capacity an ongoing issue for the WA health system, there are concerns about the findings of HHC around the adequacy of available training places in WA and training bottlenecks. Only 48% of all respondents felt there were adequate training opportunities in WA and a concerning 34% indicated that the process of applying for training had affected their wellbeing.

After flagging concerns the last two years on the prevalence of burnout levels overall, and specifically within WNHS and CAHS, we are encouraged to see notable improvement across the majority of Employers, which is likely linked to the significant improvements in access to leave this year.

Given the integral role that International Medical Graduates (IMGs) play in the functioning of the WA Health system, we are pleased to note that more than 300 IMG respondents have completed this year’s survey, after IMG-specific questions were added to the survey for the first time last year. About two-thirds of IMGs felt very or quite well supported in joining the Australian Healthcare workforce, but they are almost twice as likely as other respondents to report experiencing discrimination.

See the full report of the AMA (WA) Hospital Health Check 2025.

Comments attributed to AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Page: 

“The pressure our doctors are under is evident in the results of this survey, and can be directly attributed to our lack of health system capacity. Our doctors are burning out from the relentless workloads pushed onto them by perpetually over-full hospital wards and EDs. It points to the need for major capacity building by expanding our public hospitals, supporting our private hospitals and training more specialists.”

Employers/Health Service Providers (HSPs)
CAHS – Child and Adolescent Health Service, including Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH)
EMHS – East Metropolitan Health Service, including Royal Perth Hospital (RPH), Armadale Health Service, Bentley Health Service, and Kalamunda Hospital
NMHS – North Metropolitan Health Service, including Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH), Osborne Park Hospital, and Graylands Hospital
PathWest – located within all major metro hospitals & regionally
(Note: PathWest included in 2024 for first time)
SMHS – South Metropolitan Health Service, including Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH), Fremantle Hospital, and Rockingham Hospital
WACHS – WA Country Health Service
WNHS – Women and Newborn Health Service which incorporates King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH)
Ramsay – Ramsay Health Care, including Joondalup Health Campus (JHC) and Hollywood Private Hospital (HPH)
SJOG – St John of God Health Care, including SJOG Midland (SJGM), Subiaco, Murdoch, Mt Lawley, Bunbury & Geraldton

Please contact AMA (WA) Media via email media@amawa.com.au for further information on this issue.