Liberals promise Regional Health Development Initiative to undo years of Pilbara ‘neglect’ if elected

Pilbara Liberal candidate Amanda Kailis has accused the Labor Government of neglecting local health, with delays in upgrades to hospitals and health systems. Her comments follow the WA Liberals’ announcement they will establish a $400 million Regional Health Development Initiative to deliver better regional healthcare services if elected. “For too long we who live in the regions have seen local health systems neglected with delays in vital upgrades in our hospitals and health services across our region,” Ms Kailis said. “The Liberal Party has already committed to rebuilding the Tom Price Regional Hospital. “This announcement will also mean that necessary upgrades to the Hedland Health Campus can be made, including the relocation of the dental health services to permanent accommodation.” WA Liberal leader and shadow health minister Libby Mettam said Labor had failed regional health and the proposed RHDI would invest in the areas that needed it most. “Often, regional patients are forced to travel long distances, such as leaving home for Perth to get treatment, which can result in delays in care and add to the emotional burden. This fund will help change that,” she said. In response, Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the Cook Government was making record investment in health, with an additional $839m allocated to healthcare infrastructure, bringing total investment to $3.3 billion. “We’ve completed the $61.4m redevelopment of the Newman Health Service and are partnering with Rio Tinto to fast-track major redevelopments at Tom Price and Paraburdoo hospitals,” he said. “I have been strongly advocating the needs of our community within the Cook Labor Government. “This has included delivering funding for important projects, including an MRI unit at South Hedland Hospital and a four-chair dialysis unit at Karratha Health Campus for our community. “The Government is getting on with investing in our regional health system. “Instead, we have Liberal and National candidates that are not fighting for the community, they are fighting each other. “The Liberal Party cannot govern without the National Party, so if they can’t agree, it remains entirely unclear what they stand for and what, if anything, they would actually deliver.”