Opposition Leader Mia Davies renews funding push for squeezed Margaret River Hospital

The State’s Opposition this week reissued its call for a “vital makeover” for the beleaguered Margaret River Hospital.

As community concerns about workloads and accessibility mount, Opposition Leader Mia Davies and shadow health minister Libby Mettam said the State Government could not continue to keep ignoring the problem amid serious population and visitor growth.

Ms Davies said capacity issues at the campus were highlighted now for more than two years and a guarantee from the Health Minister was needed.

“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 on to 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.”

At last fortnight’s community cabinet meeting in Margaret River, Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said there were capacity issues in the State’s works program, but local GP Cathy Milligan told the Times she was buoyed by Premier Mark McGowan’s commitment to look at the funding issue afresh.

Labor Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie told the Times the hospital’s plight was firmly on her radar.

“I am working hard to advocate that the project progresses, but I know that we are in a heated labour and construction market,” she said.

Labor’s $200 million investment in redevelopment of the Bunbury Health Campus would also benefit Augusta-Margaret River shire residents, she said.

It comes amid concerns from local doctors that patients were increasingly sent north rather than receive treatment within their community.