The Opposition has again reiterated its calls for Margaret River Hospital to be given a vital makeover, after the Health Minister refused to provide details on infrastructure upgrades.
Opposition Leader Mia Davies said the issues at Margaret River Hospital had been highlighted for more than two years now and the Minister needed to guarantee upgrades will occur.
“With the Mid Year Review coming up in December and a $6 billion surplus, the McGowan Labor Government must address concerns of staff and locals about conditions at Margaret River Hospital,” Ms Davies said.
“Providing healthcare and other critical services at Margaret River Hospital must be a priority for the McGowan Labor Government, yet we see a Minister who continues to throw this project onto the backburner.
“Locals deserve to have a hospital that serves the needs of both the community and the influx of tourists the region receives each year.”
Ms Davies visited the site earlier this year, along with Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam, and listened to the community’s concerns about the hospital and mental health services in the Augusta-Margaret River region.
“A key concern was the lack of action taken by the McGowan Labor Government, resulting in many having to drive to Busselton or Bunbury to access healthcare.
“This is understandably causing angst in the local community and is simply unacceptable – every West Australians deserves accessible, local healthcare.”
Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam said she had received feedback from both Margaret River locals and health workers alike who are upset and perplexed about the McGowan Government’s lack of urgency or prioritisation on upgrading this hospital.
“It’s disheartening to see the McGowan Labor Government continue to ignore the calls from doctors, health workers and even their own Department regarding the needs of this health campus,” Ms Mettam said.
“Despite WACHS identifying Margaret River Hospital as a priority for expansion, and calls from the Opposition to support this vital upgrade, it has fallen on deaf ears.
“The McGowan Labor Government has completely dropped the ball on health since coming to Government, and it’s inexcusable that the Premier continues to cry poor when it comes to vital hospital upgrades and services such as this while he is sitting on a $6 billion surplus.”
