Libby Mettam Slams State Government Over Healthcare Crisis in South West
Concerns over regional healthcare have erupted in Parliament, with Vasse MLA Libby Mettam launching a scathing attack on the State Government for what she describes as a failure to support the South West's most vulnerable patients. Speaking on March 18, Ms Mettam highlighted a system under severe strain, revealing that mental health patients are sometimes waiting in emergency departments for up to five days as hospitals grapple with overwhelming demand.
Critical Shortages in Acute Psychiatric Beds
Ms Mettam pointed to specific issues in Bunbury, where 12 of the 23 acute psychiatric unit beds have been closed during the redevelopment of Bunbury Regional Hospital. These beds have been replaced by just six Hospital in the Home beds, a move she strongly criticizes. "Let us be clear — Hospital in the Home has its place and is certainly a valuable service, but it is not a replacement or a substitute for acute psychiatric beds," she stated emphatically.
"The replacement of 12 such beds with just six and only in the Bunbury area is not good enough," Ms Mettam added, noting that these services are confined to Bunbury and not available in other communities like Busselton or Margaret River. This limitation, she argues, is exacerbating pressure on emergency departments across the entire region.
Front-Line Feedback and Regional Pressures
The MLA emphasized that her claims are not fabricated opposition rhetoric but are based on direct feedback from clinicians on the front lines. "That is not something that has been made up by the Opposition — that is direct feedback that we have had from clinicians on the front-line who feel absolutely let down," she explained. This feedback underscores the dire situation where patients in crisis face prolonged waits without adequate care.
Further concerns were raised about the Margaret River Hospital operating at full capacity. Ms Mettam highlighted that even the WA Country Health Service had prioritized upgrading this facility, identifying needs such as expanding the emergency department, increasing ward capacity, and enhancing mental health support with psychiatric liaison nurses.
Opposition Unity and Government Response
Ms Mettam was supported in her criticism by other Opposition members, including Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr and Murray-Wellington MLA David Bolt, indicating a united front against the government's healthcare policies. However, South West Minister Don Punch defended the government's approach, urging a broader perspective on regional challenges.
"Members can talk about infrastructure in regional Western Australia and in their electorates, but when they do, they should be inclusive," Mr Punch responded. He pointed to ongoing efforts to address basic needs like power and drinking water access in other communities, framing the government's strategy as methodical and comprehensive.
Mr Punch also redirected criticism toward the former government, listing past failures such as the closure of primary schools, withdrawal of education assistance, and sale of core infrastructure. "I could stand here for three hours and give a long litany of the things that the former government did and did not do," he asserted, defending the current administration's commitment to regional development.
This heated exchange in Parliament underscores the deepening healthcare crisis in regional Western Australia, with mental health services at the forefront of political debate. As patients continue to face unacceptable wait times, the call for more support and services in the South West grows louder, putting pressure on the State Government to address these critical issues promptly.
