A WOODLANDS resident has spoken out about conditions at Osborne Park Hospital, saying facilities are “broken” and “dangerous” for elderly people.
Lorraine Webb (75) was in Osborne Park Hospital from December 28 to January 20 after a fall and said showers and bathroom areas were often flooded.
“It was a nightmare to have a shower; what I am concerned about is the nurses who have to deal with a soaking wet floor and people who have had a stroke, or like me who can’t walk very well,” she said.
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“I was terrified that I was going to fall over. The whole area was flooded – it just was not safe.”
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A North Metropolitan Health Service spokesman said Osborne Park Hospital had not received any complaints about its showers or bathrooms.
“Compliments, suggestions, feedback and complaints passed on to the Safety and Quality Co-ordinator help us to address issues when they arise and give credit to staff when it is due,” he said.
“The hospital’s regular maintenance schedule includes upgrades to various hospital areas, including some ward bathrooms, and all high risk areas are attended to as a matter of urgency.”
Last week, Labor leader Mark McGowan announced a pre-budget $28 million pledge to the hospital to pay for rehabilitation beds to assist seniors and an expansion of midwifery services.
“Staff at the hospital do an incredible job but services aren’t keeping up with demand,” Mr MGowan said.
Health Minister John Day criticised the move, saying Labor was “late to the party” and did not have a plan to pay for the upgrades.
“Our plan already includes lifting current gynaecology, neonatal and obstetric services and we have just invested $3 million in the hospital, on top of contributing to the new $22 million surgicentre, which opened in 2015,” he said.
Mr Day said the Government had already moved some elective surgery and outpatient clinics from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital to Osborne Park.
Australian Medical Association (WA) president Dr Andrew Miller said all political parties should release their heath policies for the State Election so that voters can make an informed decision.
“The AMA (WA) welcomes Labor’s announcement that $28 million will be set aside for upgrades at Osborne Park Hospital, and urges the Liberal Party to match Labor’s election promise,” Dr Miller said.
“It’s important that the excellent staff at OPH gets the financial support they need.”
Dr Miller said health was a portfolio “often forgotten” in election campaigns.
“Hospital capacity is becoming a serious concern in WA – ambulance ramping is at an all-time high, elective surgery waiting lists keep growing and hospital staff are being worked to the bone,” he said.