WA Patients Increasing Pressure on Hospitals, AMA Report Shows

A new report from the Australian Medical Association reveals that West Australians have the second-highest rate of mental health presentations to emergency departments in the country, with a rate of 130 per 10,000 in 2023-24. The report highlights a concerning lack of hospital bed capacity, leading to long wait times for patients. In response, the WA Government announced a $1.5 billion “Building Hospitals” fund and the addition of 57 new mental health beds, although this only matches population growth. Health Minister Meredith Hammat emphasized ongoing investments in mental health services and the launch of a new strategy to improve access to care.