PEEL Health Campus (PHC) whistleblower Ashton Foley has spoken out following the release of a Parliamentary Committee report into Peel Health Campus.
Addressing media yesterday, Ms Foley said blowing the whistle had taken a huge toll on her and her family, but that she had no regrets.
Ms Foley resigned from her position as Chief Operating Officer at PHC in September after raising concerns about possible corruption and fraud at the campus in relation to the setting up of a Clinical Decisions Unit (CDU).
The local mother of four made public her concerns about what the Estimates Committee’s report referred to as incentive payments for doctors to admit patients through the emergency department.
The committee heard close to 400 patients had been unnecessarily treated and admitted through the controversial unit which saw PHC operators forced to repay the Health Department nearly $2million.
Extensive coverage in the metropolitan media this weekend followed eight weeks of coverage by the Mandurah Mail which initially broke the story of Ms Foley’s resignation in early October.
A subsequent Supreme Court injunction against both Ms Foley and the Mandurah Mail prevented the release of relevant documents which were later tabled in Parliament by Shadow Health Minister Roger Cook.
Ms Foley said she was pleased with the committee’s report and appreciated the diligence exercised by investigating members.
“Despite the significant negative impact that my coming forward has had on myself and my family, I do not regret blowing the whistle,” she said.
“I only hope my actions result in the provision of improved healthcare and hospital services for the Peel region.
“As for Health Solutions (WA), I hope they are held fully accountable for their actions and that justice is ultimately served.”
The Mandurah Mail has contacted key PHC personnel, Health Minister Kim Hames and Premier Colin Barnett for comment in relation to the report.
Full coverage in this week’s Mail.
