A powerful editorial has issued a blunt demand to the Cook government: stop the political spin and immediately begin the serious work of fixing Western Australia's failing hospital system.
The critique, published in a major West Australian newspaper, pulls no punches in describing a health network in deep distress. It argues that years of managerial neglect and political excuses have led to the current crisis, characterised by dangerous ambulance ramping and critical bed shortages.
The Human Cost of a Failing System
The editorial highlights the dire human consequences of the system's failures. It points to the tragic death of Aishwarya Aswath, the seven-year-old girl who died at Perth Children's Hospital in 2021 after waiting two hours for treatment.
This case became a national symbol of a health system under unbearable pressure. The piece argues that while an inquiry provided recommendations, the fundamental issues of resourcing and culture that led to the tragedy remain largely unaddressed.
The most visible symptom of the crisis is ambulance ramping, where paramedics are stuck waiting for hours to hand over patients at emergency departments. This practice not only endangers those waiting in ambulances but also takes vital emergency resources off the road, putting entire communities at risk.
A Legacy of Neglect and Political Failure
The editorial lays blame for the current situation on successive governments, but emphasises that the Cook Labor government now owns the problem. It criticises the administration for being long on announcements and short on delivering lasting solutions.
Despite significant revenue from mining royalties, the government has failed to invest adequately in health infrastructure and workforce planning to keep pace with a growing population. The result is a system where demand vastly outstrips capacity, leading to the regular bypassing of hospitals and extreme strain on staff.
The piece is particularly critical of the political communication strategy, accusing the government of hiding behind "spin and deflection" instead of levelling with the public about the scale of the challenge. This, it argues, destroys public trust and delays the urgent, coordinated action needed.
The Path Forward: Action Over Announcements
The editorial concludes with a clear call to action. It states that the time for excuses and blame-shifting is over. The government must move beyond temporary fixes and press releases to implement a genuine, long-term rescue plan.
This plan must address the core issues: increasing hospital bed capacity, fixing workforce shortages, and streamlining patient flow from emergency departments to wards. It requires honest budgeting, significant investment, and a collaborative approach with health professionals.
Ultimately, the editorial frames the hospital crisis not just as a policy failure, but as a fundamental test of leadership. The health of Western Australians depends on the government's willingness to stop spinning and start building a system that works.
