❓ Mr Leary questions the disparity in access to neurosurgical care between regional and metropolitan patients, specifically regarding transfers to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. The response highlights bed allocation based on clinical priority and ongoing monitoring of surgical needs in regional areas.
AnsweredQoN 306Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the disadvantage faced by country patients requiring urgent metropolitan-based surgery, and I ask : (a) As of 19 July 2025, how many patients across regional WA were awaiting transfer to the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) neurosurgical unit; (b) How many of these patients were admitted at regional hospitals and unable to be transferred due to bed shortages at SCGH; (c) What has been the daily bed availability in the SCGH neurosurgical unit from 1 July to 19 July 2025; (d) What is the current policy or protocol for prioritising bed allocation at SCGH for patients from regional WA compared to those presenting at a metropolitan Emergency Department; (e) Why are regional patients required to wait for a bed to be secured before being scheduled for transfer, while metropolitan patients with comparable conditions are admitted directly from Emergency; (f) What steps are being taken to address this disparity and ensure timely access to urgent specialist care for country patients; and (g) What investment or planning is currently underway to increase surgical capacity, including neurosurgery, in regional hubs such as Albany?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 September 2025
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
9 days
(a-e)
As of 19 July 2025, < 5 patients were admitted in regional WA whilst awaiting transfer to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital neurosurgical unit.
Bed allocation is based on clinical priority, irrespective of the route of admission. Clinical priority is determined by the neurosurgical Clinical Nurse Specialist in consultation with the medical team.
WA Health continues to deliver neurosurgery. Neurosurgery bed availability and occupancy has been at 100% for the period.
(f)
The co-location of the WACHS APTC and State Health Operations Centre enables coordinated decision making and safe transfer pathways for regional patients.
(g)
WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is committed to monitoring surgical activity and clinical requirements to determine any future service needs. This is undertaken through the WACHS Surgical and Sterilisation Services Leadership Committee. This committee monitors elective surgery waitlist performance, management of current and emerging risks, clinical incidents and relevant policies and procedures.
As of 19 July 2025, < 5 patients were admitted in regional WA whilst awaiting transfer to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital neurosurgical unit.
Bed allocation is based on clinical priority, irrespective of the route of admission. Clinical priority is determined by the neurosurgical Clinical Nurse Specialist in consultation with the medical team.
WA Health continues to deliver neurosurgery. Neurosurgery bed availability and occupancy has been at 100% for the period.
(f)
The co-location of the WACHS APTC and State Health Operations Centre enables coordinated decision making and safe transfer pathways for regional patients.
(g)
WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is committed to monitoring surgical activity and clinical requirements to determine any future service needs. This is undertaken through the WACHS Surgical and Sterilisation Services Leadership Committee. This committee monitors elective surgery waitlist performance, management of current and emerging risks, clinical incidents and relevant policies and procedures.
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