Bentley Hospital.
Camera IconBentley Hospital. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Bentley Hospital left with gaps despite state budget funding

Ben SmithCanning Gazette

BENTLEY Hospital’s annual State funding allocation earlier this month will address the highest priority – but not all – of the hospital’s long-running infrastructure concerns.

Staff said $7.3 million allocated in the 2019-20 State Budget would not cover all infrastructure works needed for the hospital.

Concerns over the hospital’s infrastructure stretch back to 2016, when a building condition audit identified several risks.

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The 2016 State Budget allocated $9.96 million for infrastructure works, but the funding was a glaring omission from budget papers 12 months later when the money was quietly redirected to Royal Perth Hospital to address fire safety issues.

A Bentley Hospital spokesperson said the new funding would address high-priority works at the hospital, including replacing equipment.

However, they conceded it would not cover all |infrastructure works required, pointing out $7.3m was less than the $10m previously promised.

“The $7.3 million will be used to complete some of the priority infrastructure works identified in the 2016 audit, which includes replacing and repairing roofs of current buildings, upgrading electrical items and replacing plant equipment nearing end-of-life. It will also be used for the refurbishment of some clinical areas,” they said.

“It is important to note that the safety of our patients and staff is our highest priority and at no point has the safety of patients or staff been at risk.”

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