Massive overhaul for Perth's public health system

Perth's public health system is to undergo a massive overhaul to meet the needs of the State's growing population through the 1990s.

Premier Carmen Lawrence said the major changes were aimed at reducing hospital waiting lists, improving services to the aged, disabled or chronically ill and making the health system accountable to the general community.

The changes are contained in the first of a series of policy statements on Western Australia's health system to be released by the State Government.

Dr Lawrence said the present system was developed when Perth's population was less, younger and had different health needs.

"The need for change is evident and urgent.  Unless we act now, our excellent health services will begin to deteriorate," the Premier said.

"The Government will appoint three metropolitan area health boards to be responsible for all health services in their areas from hospitals and community health services to rehabilitation and continuing care.

"Also, the provision of health care and its funding will be clearly separated to improve efficiency and accountability in the way services are allocated.

"Labor Governments have always been committed to a comprehensive health system accessible to all.

"Our health policy to the year 2000 will focus on providing health care which is responsive to community needs, which gives value for money, and makes management accountable for spending our health dollars."

The Premier said the changes were in line with major recommendations in a report on Perth's health services by consultants Deloitte Ross Tohmatsu.

"We are fortunate in this State to have very high quality and technologically advanced public hospitals, extensive community-based services and a public health and health promotion system second to none," she said.

"However our resources must be redirected to meet emerging demands and to ensure the current high standards of health care are maintained.

"By the Year 2001, it is estimated that Perth's population will have increased by almost 30 per cent to 1.6 million.

"At the same time, the proportion of elderly people will increase even more quickly with those aged 80 or more increasing by 40 per cent."

Dr Lawrence said the consultants' report showed three emerging areas of concern:

·         strain on the system, evidenced by growing waiting lists;

·         gaps appearing in services to the most vulnerable groups; and

·         resources were limited while costs and demand continued to increase.

"The report also identified some features of our current system which limited its ability to respond adequately to the emerging problems," the Premier said.

"After studying the report, Cabinet decided on a management model that brings all health services in specific areas under one management umbrella - a system known in the industry as 'area health management'.

"This, combined with the introduction of competition in service provision, will be the basis of a new direction in health policy in this State."

Commissioner of Health Dr Peter Brennan would begin work immediately to implement the new management system, which would replace Perth's five teaching hospital boards with three area health boards.

Resources allocated would be based on an area's population, and there would be increased community involvement in assessing needs and determining appropriate health services for each area.

"I am confident these changes will have significant benefits for all health service users in the metropolitan area, especially those in greatest need," Dr Lawrence said.