The McGowan Government has committed $24 million towards initiatives targeting the incidence of falls, drownings and childhood injury across Western Australia.
The significant investment in health promotion is part of ongoing partnerships between WA Health and non-government organisations (NGOs) to deliver community-based health promotion programs to reduce harm and prevent avoidable injury.
The $24 million investment was awarded across four service agreements with key NGOs for the following State-wide initiatives:
- Kidsafe WA to implement the Child Safety Program so children in Western Australia experience less avoidable injury;
- Royal Life Saving Society WA for the Water Safety Program which aims to reduce the number of drownings in Western Australia; and
- Injury Matters for the Stay On Your Feet WA® Falls Prevention Program which aims to reduce falls and fall-related injuries among older people living in WA, and for the Know Injury Program to help ensure that Western Australians have a shared set of knowledge, skills and behaviours that supports the prevention of injury.
Falls, drowning and childhood injury continue to contribute to the incidence and costs of injury in Western Australia.
Recent statistics show that close to 27,000 people in WA were admitted to hospital due to falls in 2017.
In the 2017-18 financial year there were 26 drowning deaths, 112 hospital admissions and 95 emergency department presentations related to drowning. In the same period, 17,720 children were seen at Perth Children's Hospital as a result of injury.
The successful programs have continued to raise awareness, halt the rise and reduce the burden of injury on the WA community and health system.
The new service agreements, with an initial five-year term, commenced last month.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"Many injuries are preventable, yet they remain a major public health issue and a significant cause of mortality, morbidity and cost to the health system and the WA community.
"The Sustainable Health Review, the blueprint for future health care in WA highlighted the need for continued investment and collaboration with our not-for-profit partners to address major public health issues and a focus on health prevention.
"The McGowan Government is committed to the ongoing support of initiatives and NGOs who help reduce preventable health problems for Western Australians and relieve the pressure on our public health system.
"These are important contracts with expert organisations who help promote healthy lifestyles, prevent injury and reduce the need for hospital admissions."
Minister's office - 6552 6500
