West Australians are being encouraged to have their say on the future of the state health system through the the Sustainable Health Review, with 10 public forums being held across the state.
Our local forum will take place on Wednesday, October 11 at the Bridgeley Community Centre in Northam from 1pm to 4pm.
The public forums are the next step in an extensive engagement program being undertaken to ensure all Western Australians can contribute to the review. Public submissions are also open.
The WA public health system has continued to grow over the past 10 years and health spending has more than doubled in this time to about $9 billion.
WA's population has grown by more than 25 per cent, emergency department attendance has increased by almost 50 per cent, and hospital admissions have grown by 40 per cent.
The Sustainable Health Review examines the way health services are delivered to West Australians to ensure that future generations will receive high-quality, patient-centred and sustainable health care.
The other forums will be held in Perth, Broome, Bunbury, Albany, Port Hedland, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.
For more details on how to register to attend a public forum or to make a public submission, health.wa.gov.au/sustainablehealthreview. State Health Minister Roger Cook said population growth in the state meant an in increase in the demand on the WA health services.
"The Sustainable Health Review forums are a fantastic opportunity for the public to have their say about the future of WA's vibrant health system,” he said.
Mr Cook said the the Sustainable Health Review was not about cost-cutting cost-cutting. “It is about identifying better, more sustainable ways of delivering people-centred health services to our growing population,” he said. "We need fresh thinking and innovative ideas to ensure we continue to provide safe, high-quality and efficient health care. This includes using improvements in technology and making sure we work with other agencies and organisations to provide better health outcomes for everyone. I encourage as many Western Australians as possible to contribute to this important review."