Frustration Mounts as Timeline and Cost Remain Unclear

Frustration Mounts as Timeline Remains Unclear

The long-awaited upgrade of the Peel Health Campus appears to be moving forward, but residents remain frustrated with the lack of a clear timeline and final costings. The government has committed to taking the facility out of private hands and investing $152 million in upgrades, but four years later, residents are yet to see any significant changes.

Locals have expressed concerns about long wait times, staff shortages, bed shortages, and the overall condition of the facility. The discovery of black mold in the air conditioning last year, which forced the relocation of patients, further highlighted the need for improvement.

The government acknowledges that the upgrade is likely to cost more than initially anticipated, but has not provided a final budget figure or completion date. Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson defended the timeline, stating that the first step was bringing the hospital back into public hands and that the community understands the process will take time.

However, residents like Anne-Marie King and Karene Thompson are frustrated with the lack of progress. They point to the growing population and the strain it is placing on the already overburdened hospital. Ms. King's daughter, who works in the emergency department, often has to work 17-hour days to meet demand. Ms. Thompson describes parts of the hospital as "less than desirable" and recounts her own experience of being kept in the emergency department for four nights due to a lack of available beds.

The planned upgrades include a new emergency mental health department, operating theatre, 30 additional patient beds, 20 new mental health beds, 12 additional chemotherapy chairs, and 15 hospice beds. While these improvements are welcome, residents remain concerned about the lack of a concrete timeline and the potential for further delays.

The Peel Health Campus upgrade is a critical project for the growing Mandurah community. The government must provide a clear timeline and budget for the project and ensure that the upgrades are completed as quickly as possible to address the urgent needs of the community.