The McGowan Labor Government has today announced a massive $1.9 billion investment in Western Australia's health and mental health services, including more staff, more beds and more services to address unprecedented demand in WA's health system.
The overall funding boost includes opening 332 new beds across WA hospitals - to be supported by around 100 new doctors and 500 new nurses working on our hospital wards.
The 332 new beds comprise 223 general beds and 109 mental health beds, with the Budget including funding for 158 beds already announced.
The number of graduate nurses and midwives employed in WA hospitals will increase from about 700 a year to 1,100 in 2021 and 1,200 in 2022 - delivering on the McGowan Government's election commitment.
Perth Children's Hospital will be bolstered with a further $88 million for additional nursing and administration staff, and to enhance patient monitoring in the emergency department's waiting areas.
Overall the McGowan Government will provide a record $495 million boost to the Mental Health Commission to meet demand. This includes $129.9 million towards youth mental health services and initiatives - a key focus of this Budget.
The significant investment builds on the McGowan Government's $1.8 billion commitment towards a new Women and Babies Hospital at the QEII medical precinct.
The McGowan Government is investing more than $1.3 billion over the next four years into health infrastructure, including major hospital redevelopments and expansions across the State.
This includes works at Joondalup Health Campus, Fremantle Hospital, Bunbury Regional Hospital, Peel Health Campus, Geraldton Health Campus, Laverton Hospital, Tom Price Hospital, Newman Health Service and more.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Our Government's record of strong and responsible financial management enables us to continue to boost funding for health and mental health services for all Western Australians.
"We've continued to make ongoing significant investments in hospitals, health and mental health services over the past four years and this massive $1.9 billion investment will help address the unprecedented demand on our system as a result of the pandemic.
"Our health and mental health staff right across WA do a stellar job. This additional funding means more services, more beds and more staff to ensure we keep putting patients first."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"This major $1.9 billion spend will ensure we continue to deliver quality healthcare for all Western Australians, as we manage exceptional demand and the impacts of COVID-19.
"WA consistently spends more per capita on public hospitals than any other State, which is 18 per cent higher than the national average.
"Like other Australian jurisdictions, the Western Australian public health system is experiencing an unprecedented level of demand.
"We continue to stand right behind our workforce while delivering high-quality care to the Western Australian community."
As stated by Mental Health Minister Stephen Dawson:
"It is absolutely a priority for us to ensure people receive the mental health care they need, in the most appropriate settings, particularly as the demand for services continues to increase.
"The investment announced today represents a record increase for mental health services, to support those needing acute care and people who require longer term support.
"We are investing in services that help people become mentally well, with a focus on delivering support in community settings."
