❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns about demand at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, including capacity, staff concerns, and interstate transfers for cardiac surgery. The Minister acknowledges issues and outlines planned improvements.
AnsweredQoN 427Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN — DEMAND
I refer to doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children who are struggling to cope with demand. (1) How many children a year does PHM admit? (2) How many children a year can it safely admit? (3) Why do doctors say that PMH is at breaking point? (4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST
I refer to doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children who are struggling to cope with demand. (1) How many children a year does PHM admit? (2) How many children a year can it safely admit? (3) Why do doctors say that PMH is at breaking point? (4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(1) How many children a year does PHM admit? (2) How many children a year can it safely admit? (3) Why do doctors say that PMH is at breaking point? (4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(2) How many children a year can it safely admit? (3) Why do doctors say that PMH is at breaking point? (4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(3) Why do doctors say that PMH is at breaking point? (4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(1) How many children a year does PHM admit? (2) How many children a year can it safely admit? (3) Why do doctors say that PMH is at breaking point? (4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(2) How many children a year can it safely admit? (3) Why do doctors say that PMH is at breaking point? (4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(3) Why do doctors say that PMH is at breaking point? (4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(4) When this state is in boom times, is the minister embarrassed that children are being sent interstate to have heart operations? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Health, I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(1)-(2) From March 2007 to March 2008 there were 23 201 admissions. Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s current occupancy rate is 80 per cent, which is standard clinical practice. There is flexibility within the system to ensure that all admitted patients are managed safely. (3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(3) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children clinical staff have expressed concern about the redevelopment of and future plans for the hospital. The state government has acknowledged that PMH has outgrown its current site and is dealing with the issue of its replacement. However, in the interim a number of infrastructure projects are planned to improve the facilities at PMH. These include: the recent construction and refurbishment of a procedure room that is utilised for minor surgical procedures to reduce waitlists; the major refurbishment of two PMH wards to ensure they work efficiently; renovation to both PMH burns units and one of the surgical wards; the installation of a new power generator to update and replace the existing system; and the construction of a new mental health facility on the PMH site. (4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
(4) Many WA children have undergone successful cardiac surgery in Perth. However, over the past four years an average of eight children a year with rare and complex cardiac conditions have been appropriately transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for treatment and clinical management. The treatment required is highly specialised and the expertise is based in Melbourne.
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