The McGowan Government is ushering in a new era of change in Western Australia’s health system, with the State Budget focused on delivering health care sustainably, putting patients first through better integration of health services and innovative delivery.
The Putting Patients First policy focuses on initiatives that will free up hospital beds and reduce pressure on Emergency Departments, to reduce waitlists and ensure patients can be treated in a timelier manner.
The State Budget includes $2 million to help establish Urgent Care Clinics to reduce pressure on Emergency Departments.
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A total of $800,000 has been allocated towards the introduction of a patient opinion system at public hospitals to help modernise the way feedback is captured and to drive better health outcomes for patients.
The 2017-18 State Budget includes:
- $2.8 million to expand the Ear Bus program into the Kimberley region;
- $1.9 million to fund meet and greet services for people from remote communities travelling for treatment; and
- $5 million to develop the Peel Youth Medical Service Hub.
The Government is committed to supporting prevention programs and services to help Western Australians to better manage their health. Its commitment to preventative health includes:
- $2.1 million to implement the Let’s Prevent pilot program, which educates and supports people who are at a high risk of developing chronic health conditions, including diabetes; and
- $1.6 million to expand the Find Cancer Early program into more regional areas.
WA’s first Medihotel is also progressing alongside Fiona Stanley Hospital and is expected to be completed in 2021.
Planning and scoping of additional health election commitments have now commenced. Funding for these projects will be detailed in subsequent Budgets.
For more 2017-18 State Budget information, visit http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
Source: Government of Western Australia.