Advocacy from The Nationals WA has put pressure on the State Government to boost funding for local health to achieve faster outcomes, according to Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr.
Reports have indicated the costs for the Geraldton Radiation Oncology Unit at the hospital has increased by $8.5m to $38.5m, amid a $500m boost to WA health infrastructure which was also set to include Mullewa Hospital.
Ms Warr said although costs had increased, the State Government’s willingness to prioritise important issues such as health was a step forward.
“The costs for the Geraldton Health Campus redevelopment are now in excess of $196m, but the news that this added funding may result in faster delivery is a positive, as health has been a strong concern within the electorate,” she said.
“To see the State Government has been listening to The Nationals WA and its calls towards improved health outcomes in regional WA is a win for the community.”
At one stage, the Auditor-General labelled Geraldton Health Campus as the most delayed project back in 2023.
While works have progressed since then, Ms Warr said other aspects of Geraldton health were yet to be addressed.
“The State Government is yet to recognise its commitment to funding an RFDS base in Geraldton, and has no plans to deliver a rescue helicopter based in the Mid West,” she said.
“These are important needs for the community, but are seemingly being ignored by Labor and they need to listen to the concerns.”
Ms Warr called for the State Government to include MRI, CT, and PET scanning machines as part of the Geraldton Health Campus redevelopments, following a petition being started in the Legislative Council.
She said now was the right time for consideration towards the service.
“People in the regions should be able to have the basic access to healthcare that those in Perth have, rather than being forced to wait or travel 500km for a routine appointment,” she said.
“Having these medical scanners closer to home would be game changing for those in Geraldton and the Mid West, and I urge the State Government to act on this.”
Those looking to sign the petition should visit the WA Parliament website.