A Tale of Two Perspectives
The Tom Price hospital in Western Australia has become a battleground between the state government and the Shire of Ashburton. The Shire claims the hospital is in such poor condition that it poses a danger to patients, while the government maintains that services remain adequate and the campaign for a new hospital is misleading.
At the heart of the dispute lies the Shire's media campaign, which has drawn the ire of Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. The Shire argues that the campaign is necessary to hold the government accountable for its 2021 election promise to redevelop the hospital. However, Sanderson claims the campaign is based on false information about service reductions and is a misuse of ratepayer funds.
Despite the Shire's insistence that the campaign focuses on the need for a new hospital, documents reveal that over $140,000 has been allocated to the effort. This has led Sanderson to question the campaign's true motives.
Meanwhile, residents of Tom Price face the reality of limited healthcare services. The lack of birthing facilities and the long travel times to access more complex services in Karratha or Perth are major concerns. The Pilbara's main mining union has also highlighted the need for expanded services at Tom Price and Paraburdoo hospitals to cater to the large FIFO workforce in the area.
Sanderson acknowledges the challenges faced by residents in regional areas but maintains that Tom Price is not disadvantaged in terms of the range of services offered. However, she remains tight-lipped about whether the upcoming budget will include additional funding for the Tom Price hospital, despite the $32 million already allocated in 2021.
As the government navigates a challenging construction environment, the future of the Tom Price hospital remains uncertain. The Shire's campaign continues to put pressure on the government, while residents wait for a resolution that will ensure their access to quality healthcare.