The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM; the College) warns that with Western Australia’s growing population and healthcare disparities for those living in rural, regional and remote (RRR) areas, addressing and overcoming these challenges is crucial.
ACEM is calling on all parties to commit to:
- A $20 million investment to upskill, support and expand opportunities for more than 300 regional doctors in emergency care, so they can provide better emergency care in their communities.
- At least 550 more safely staffed inpatient hospital beds, including mental health beds, added over the next four years, allocated according to operational need across the state, to bring WA in line with the rest of Australia.
- A 20 per cent increase in full-time specialist allied health support workers in EDs and inpatient wards available outside of normal business hours.
- Safety and security staff posted at every ED, integrated and appropriately trained to best support staff, patients and visitors.
ACEM WA Faculty Chair Dr Vanessa Clayden said: “WA’s healthcare system is facing increasing challenges with regards to access block and its reliance on an overstretched and under-resourced workforce.
“Healthcare workforce shortages and lack of specialist training opportunities are crippling EDs across WA, especially in regional, rural and remote areas, and must be addressed and rectified.
“ACEM will support pledges that align with these four solutions and invites political parties to work with WA’s emergency doctors on implementing the fixes across the state.”
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and the advancement of professional standards.
Media Contact:
Helen Johnson, Manager, Media and Publications:
helen.johnson@acem.org.au + 61 427 621 857
Nick Buchan, Media Advisor:
nick.buchan@acem.org.au +61 481 918 488
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