Member for Moore Shane Love has reiterated calls for the Health Minister to ensure a smooth transition for the 11 Silver Chain nursing posts moving to WA Country Health Service (WACHS) following community concerns.
Mr Love said the Minister for Health had previously provided a commitment that nursing posts would continue to operate as normal, however, issues had already been raised with his office.
“In Mingenew, a long-standing visiting GP service was at risk of being unable to deliver clinics due to internet access concerns which had not been adequately addressed by WACHS,” Mr Love said.
“This was the only GP service available in Mingenew, so it was deeply concerning to hear that it was in jeopardy so soon after the transition, as this would have been a significant loss to the community.”
Mr Love said a meeting between the GP service and WACHS had taken place this week, resulting in WACHS committing to provide a separate internet connection for visiting doctors.
“This is a welcome outcome, but it has highlighted the transition has not been as smooth as the Minister for Health assured communities it would be.
“Delivering a GP service to regional WA has long been a challenging issue, and we certainly can’t afford to turn medical practitioners away.”
Mr Love said Eneabba residents had also raised concerns around the transition of their local nursing post.
“Residents have told me that waiting times for treatment have blown out, with patients claiming they are now waiting up to four hours to be attended to,” Mr Love said.
“While Silver Chain nurses were able to provide care swiftly, I am told WACHS nurses are limited in the treatment they can provide until the patient has been assessed by a telehealth doctor, leading to significantly increased waiting times and frustrating the community.”
Local concern around the Eneabba nursing post has resulted in the Carnamah Shire resolving to write to WACHS and the Minister for Health about the service.
“The Shire has expressed concern that the role of the nursing post has significantly changed to the detriment of staff and patients,” Mr Love said.
“This shows the commitment made by the Health Minister for a smooth transition has not been reflected on the ground, and needs to be remedied.”
Love said he was also still awaiting a response to an email sent on 29 February to Minister for Health with questions concerning the transition from Silver Chain to WACHS.
“Despite assurances from the Minister and WACHS, communities in my electorate are already expressing concern about the transition, and I call on the Minister to ensure services will be maintained at the standard regional residents had come to expect from Silver Chain.”
