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❓ Hon Michelle Boylan's question seeks data on the cost of drug overdose treatment, drug/alcohol related ED presentations, hospital capacity issues due to drug-related cases, and incidents of harm to paramedics/hospital staff responding to overdoses. The response indicates data limitations prevent providing specific figures for most questions.

AnsweredQoN 493Legislative Council

Asked

21 August 2025

Member

Hon Michelle Boylan

Portfolio

Health

QuestionView source ↗

(1) What is the estimated cost to the Western Australian health system of treating drug overdoses, broken down by emergency care, ward admissions, and ICU admissions, for each financial year since 2021–22? (2) For each public hospital, what proportion of emergency department presentations are related to drug or alcohol misuse? (3) Have any hospitals reported exceeding operational capacity due to drug-related presentations (including overdoses and intoxication requiring admission)? (4) If yes to (3), when and where? (5) How many incidents have been recorded of paramedics or hospital staff being exposed to risk (needle stick injuries, violent behaviour, etc.) while responding to drug overdose cases?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

14 October 2025

Responded by

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health

Response time

7 days

(1)– (2) It is not possible to identify the number of emergency department attendances that were due to drug overdoses or suspected drug overdoses as the data system does not allow for individual subcategories or identification of intent.
(3)-(4) No.
(5) Incidents of this category is not recorded in this matter.

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