A Perth cancer patient, Shar Christoff Harris, shared her experiences of being in a hospital with terminal cancer and being left at the end of a hallway outside with a bad infection and radiation burns. Despite the challenging circumstances, Harris praised the hardworking and amazing nurses who provided her care. She highlighted the need for hospitals to receive more funding and staff to address the increasing challenges faced by healthcare workers. Harris’s case shed light on the struggles faced by hospitals that are running at over 100 percent capacity and the impact it has on patient care.
The North Metropolitan Health Service responded to Harris’s situation, stating that she received prompt attention and appropriate care in the treatment bays of the emergency department. However, there was a brief period when she was placed in a private area on the ward while waiting for a room to be cleaned. This incident raised concerns about hospitals facing overcrowding issues and patients being left in makeshift hospital rooms due to lack of space. AMA WA president Michael Page emphasized the strain on hospitals, which leads to ambulance ramping and patients waiting in makeshift beds almost daily.
Page emphasized the need for more hospital beds and trained health workers to alleviate the pressure on emergency departments and improve patient care. He acknowledged the efforts of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who are working under challenging circumstances due to stretched resources. The State Government invested $14.3 billion in health and mental health services since 2021, including the addition of 800 new hospital beds and an increase in the healthcare workforce by 30 percent. The government’s focus on building world-class health infrastructure and investing in healthcare staff aims to ensure all patients have access to quality healthcare.
The healthcare system in Western Australia continues to face challenges, with hospitals constantly operating at high capacity and healthcare workers struggling to provide care under difficult circumstances. Ministerial newcomer Meredith Hammat, tasked with overseeing the operational aspects of WA Health, is working to address the issues within the healthcare system. Efforts are being made to implement hospital avoidance strategies and increase the number of hospital beds to improve patient care and reduce pressure on emergency departments. The government’s investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development aims to enhance the quality of care provided to patients in need of medical attention.
Harris’s experience sheds light on the urgent need for increased funding and staff in hospitals to address the growing demands of patient care. The dedication and hard work of healthcare workers are commendable, but they need adequate support and resources to provide the level of care that patients deserve. The State Government’s commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development is a step in the right direction to improve the quality of healthcare services in Western Australia. By addressing the challenges faced by hospitals and healthcare workers, there is hope for a healthcare system that can effectively meet the needs of patients and provide dignified and clinically appropriate care.
