16/8/02
Health services in the Kimberley had struggled due to poor planning and decision-making for too long, Health Minister Bob Kucera said today.
Mr Kucera, who will address a health summit in Derby on Sunday, said the decision to change the way in which services were delivered across the Kimberley would result in genuine health benefits for Aboriginal people.
"Derby has an opportunity to become a centre of excellence in Aboriginal health - catering to the needs of the people in its wide catchment area," he said.
"However, if we had continued along the previous path, we would have encountered serious problems in the future.
"There are a number of problems facing the delivery of health services in the Kimberley, which include staffing issues, transport linkages and changes in population and demographics across the region.
"Near enough is not good enough any more."
Mr Kucera said claims that Aboriginal health would go backwards due to the decision to relocate some regional health services and personnel outside Derby, were based on a campaign of misinformation.
"We are in the business of improving health outcomes for everybody in the region," he said.
"When the people of Derby and the Kimberley see what is being retained in Derby, and the infrastructure to be put into the town, we hope it will be clear that these changes will ensure Derby retains a strong, viable health service.
"The Government is committed to ensuring the long-term maintenance and viability of clinically safe and appropriate health care of the entire population of the Kimberley."
Mr Kucera said essential local Derby health services would not be affected.
Ambulance services, physiotherapy, radiology (x-rays), dentistry, mental health, community health and visiting specialists dealing in areas such as ophthalmology, orthopaedic and ear, nose and throat surgery, would not be affected.
"Most importantly, Derby will retain the full complement of general practitioners based at Derby Hospital with procedural skills in anaesthetics, obstetrics and paediatrics, who already supply the majority of hands-on medical services in the hospital," the Minister said.
The State Government had set aside $34million over the term of government to improve health services in the Kimberley.
"This is a massive investment, and a demonstration of this Government's desire to strengthen the range of health services offered to the people of the Kimberley," Mr Kucera said.
"Part of the $34million will be directed towards redeveloping Derby Hospital's inpatient facility in accordance with the health needs of its catchment population, and focusing on the unique opportunities to improve Aboriginal health.
"Numbala Nunga Nursing Home will also be replaced with a more appropriate facility."
Mr Kucera said that gone were the days when town health services could be viewed in isolation.
"A regional perspective has to be taken," he said.
"We must confront regional health issues in the Kimberley and ensure Derby also retains strong, viable, clinically safe health services well into the future."
Minister's Office: 9213 7000
