The State Budget was handed down on 19 June and HCCWA was pleased to be invited to the industry budget briefing and lock in.
Reading the budget documents, it was great to see all health-related election commitments being funded, as these included some important infrastructure promises and some interesting and innovative programs. We are looking forward to the implementation of the GP ASK program, which should reduce unnecessary referrals to specialists, which in turn reduces waiting times for patients. We are also interested to see the WA Virtual Emergency Department expanded and serving more community members. Great preventative programs such as funding for Ngala and the Australian Breastfeeding Association are also welcomed.
Other health items included:
- Improvements to nurse to patient ratios
- Expanding the pharmacist scope of practice to allow greater choice for consumers for access to care for some uncomplicated health conditions
- Additional beds in the Time to Think program, accommodating hospital patients who are waiting for an aged care placement
- Funding to develop the Perth Biomedical manufacturing hub to help grow the local medical research industry
- Funding for the first Dementia Action Plan
- Funding for a Medical Respite Centre for continuing care people experiencing homelessness who need access to the hospital system.
Spending on healthcare for people in regional areas is vital and we welcome the increases to the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, as well as infrastructure investment in health services in Bunbury, Albany, Geraldton, Kalbarri and Kalgoorlie. Expansion of renal dialysis in Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing is also a great step in providing crucial health care close to where people live.
While spending on infrastructure is crucial, there is a wider picture in the health system that needs to be examined. We were hoping to see investment in radically different models of care, as recommended by the Sustainable Health Review. Community Connector and Social Prescribing models are proving to be hugely important at providing services to community members where they live and in keeping people well, connected, and out of hospital. While Silver Chain programs are funded in this budget, there is nothing for new and innovative community connector programs that will be essential in the future of our health system.
While we welcome many cost of living initiatives, such as free public transport to school, we were disappointed that there was nothing in the budget to help WA health consumers and their carers with the high cost of parking at hospitals. Our hospitals are free, but accessing them is not free, we’ve heard from people who have had to take out pay day loans to cover the cost of hospital parking. Subsidising hospital parking would be an excellent initiative to assist people with the escalating cost of living and provide relief for people who are experiencing the acute stress of a sick, hospitalised family member.
Bronwyn Ife | Systemic Advocacy and Engagement Lead
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