‘It’s a good start’: Community impressed with Peel Health Campus announcement

Around 250 community members joined federal health minister Greg Hunt, Canning MP Andrew Hastie and Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup as they revealed the news of the facility’s biggest upgrade since it was opened in 1997.

Locals had a lot to say about the significant cash injection and shared many personal experiences from the hospital, highlighting the need for improved health care in the region.

Stake Hill residents Peter and Maria Plant said the funding was “much needed” after Mrs Plant was recently subject to a traumatic experience.

“When we went to emergency, there was such a long waiting time,” Mrs Plant said.

“I had to stay in a corridor overnight because there were no beds.

“There was no privacy, I was just out in the open.”

Mr Plant said other hospitals in Perth offered significantly better facilities than the Peel Health Campus.

“A lot of the equipment is out of date and sometimes you don’t get food,” he said.

“I think the nurses and staff do the best they can with what they have got but they are struggling – they are just so overrun.

“Hopefully Andrew Hastie can continue to motivate the government and get things going for us ... instead of sitting on the money, they can get the process started.”

Sylvia Clarke had a different personal experience with the hospital, advocating for money to be dedicated to safety within the emergency department.

“They should get a separate area for the more violent people in the emergency department,” she said.

“I once came into emergency because I cut a tendon in my hand and I waited two hours with someone very unpleasant.

“I think they should at least separate the children and anyone who is bringing in a child from the drug addicts and drunk people.”

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During his visit, Mr Hunt also announced easier access to lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions with a new MRI licence for SKG Radiology.

Ms Clarke said she was excited about the new services, set to be available from March, which will be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

“It’s really great about the MRI’s because now you have to pay $350 or to go to Kelmscott or way up to Perth,” she said.

“That’s a lot of money to spend when you need an MRI – I’ve been putting mine off because I didn’t want to pay that so I’m very glad it’s come to Mandurah.”

While Mandurah locals Jenny Aurisch and Karina Doyle’s shared positive experiences at the facility, they welcomed the news of significant funding.

“I’ve found it lovely every time I’ve gone there,” Ms Doyle said.

“I’ve had lots of help this year because I’m a polio survivor and this time last year I couldn’t walk but now I’m up and balancing and walking.”

Ms Aurisch agreed, adding that she was eager to see how the money would be spent throughout the hospital.

“I’ve had no unpleasant experiences at the Health Campus,” Ms Aurisch said.

“Fortunately I keep well enough that I don’t have a lot to do with it. But it’s a good start, especially for families.

“It would be nice to have a few more details of what exactly they are going to do and a timeline of when it will be done but I’m sure that will come.

“It will be interesting to see how it all goes.”

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