The state government is standing firm on its decision to axe funding to the Peel Mobile Health Service, with the Department of Health saying the popular health van showed “limited service provision” and was a duplication of other services already available in the region.
The department’s South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS), which had funded the van since 2012, said the decision to withdraw funding had been made after a review of the program.
This is despite increasing community anger at the decision and the displeasure of local Labor members of parliament.
“SMHS recently completed a review of the service, which showed limited service provision with little increase in services over the years,” a department spokeswoman said.
“There is also duplication of other services available in the Peel region.
“For example, 360 health + community have introduced healthy lifestyle programs (for people with or at risk of diabetes), Peel Youth Medical Service provides access to primary care in Mandurah and there are alternative venues in communities such as the Waroona Community Resource Centre.
“The WA Primary Health Alliance [WAPHA] is also currently commissioning a range of suicide prevention and mental health services in the Peel region.”
Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke said the health van brought services to people in isolated and socially disadvantaged areas.
“The Peel Mobile Health Service is a solution bringing health services to those in need, young and old in our community," she said.
“They have struggled to increase services and now with one swipe of a pen, a socially isolated and disadvantaged community will be disadvantaged again.
“My understanding is that the WAPHA suicide prevention trial site is actually sited out of Headspace in Rockingham and may or may not focus on service delivery. Are these other services being commissioned organic local programs with an understanding of our local needs? I doubt it.”
Peel residents who rely on the service took to social media to vent their frustration at the decision.
“This is terrible. Just another example of how youth and the elderly matter very little to the major political parties,” wrote one user.
“This van provides crucial mental health services to remote areas,” wrote another.
“Put bluntly it saves lives. The staff at Peel mobile are amazing and the service they give is invaluable.
“Such a sad day to see it cut.”
The Peel Mobile Health Service was established by the Peel Health Foundation, operated by GP down south and supported by local businesses and community groups including Alcoa, Barbagello Mandurah, Bendigo Bank, Rotary and public fundraising campaigns.