Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s arrival in Perth on Sunday was the prelude to a big week for health announcements. The biggest highlight is a major overhaul of the St John of God Midland Public Hospital. That makes this facility one of the busiest public healthcare centers in Perth. This exciting development is the result of combined work between the Federal and WA Governments, with a $355 million investment.
This major upgrade would go a long way towards addressing the growing healthcare needs of the Midland region, as well as the eastern suburbs of Perth. These areas have long been noted as “underserved” in terms of hospital capacity. Dr. Michael Page, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) WA, noted the importance of expanding healthcare services to align with population growth in these areas.
Details of the Hospital Upgrade
The Federal Government will contribute a further $200 million to the joint funding effort, but this is dependent upon being re-elected. The WA Government will contribute an additional $50 million on top of their original offer. The new hospital opened its doors in 2015. It is structured as a public-private partnership between the WA State Government and St John of God Health Care.
To meet the additional demand the hospital will further increase bed numbers, new operating theatres and ICU capacity. It will create an additional 14 neonatal care beds and redesign the obstetrics and neonatal unit. These improvements are needed to serve the increasing demand for healthcare services throughout the region.
Addressing Future Healthcare Needs
NASEM’s Dr. Michael Page underscored that, as we make critical infrastructure upgrades, we need to be training more health professionals so that we can meet future demands.
“We don’t think we train enough doctors in Western Australia, there’s not enough training into the specialities that we need to have to serve our population as well as we possibly can.” – Dr Michael Page
He emphasized that the expansion is essential to stay ahead of Midland’s booming and constantly inflating population.
“The population in the Midland area has certainly been growing rapidly, so it does need health services to be proportionate to the population and to predict future population growth.” – Dr Michael Page
Government Support and Future Plans
WA Premier Roger Cook stressed the need to invest in healthcare innovations to secure a strong, competitive future for Western Australia.
“That’s why, together with the Albanese Labor government, we’re investing in projects that will make a meaningful difference to patients.” – WA Premier Roger Cook
This smart local upgrade is part of a more ambitious global strategy. Both governments remain dedicated to increasing and improving healthcare infrastructure in all corners of Western Australia.
