News
Summit highlights critical issues in WA’s Private Health System
Thursday September 19, 2024
The AMA (WA) Private Health and Hospital Summit on Monday 9 September saw strong consensus among participants on the state of the private health system and initiated discussions on the best strategies for resolving ongoing issues.
It was the loss of services from private hospitals, highlighted by the closure of obstetric and psychiatric hospitals that led the AMA (WA) to organise a Summit on the Private Health and Hospital system.
This event brought together leaders from the ranks of Private Health Insurers, Private Hospitals, Medical Practitioners (Procedural and non-procedural) and the Department of Health.
This issue is typically seen as a federal responsibility, so why did the AMA (WA) step in?
Here’s why:
- Western Australia has the highest rate of private hospital coverage in the country (54%, compared to 44% nationally);
- Over 60% of elective surgeries are performed in private hospitals;
- The private health insurance market is dominated by one major player;
- WA is home to two of Australia’s largest private hospitals, each operated by one of the two leading providers;
- The State has a rapidly aging population; and
- WA has the largest number of licensed hospital beds in Australia.
These factors make the health of the private hospital system a crucial issue for WA, and are well known, so a meaningful discussion could be had and a broad consensus was reached on the need for the private health system to be comprehensive; for patients to be able to access the services they need, when they need them, and that the public and private systems work together in effective service planning.
While much progress was made, not all issues reached consensus. Over the coming months, we will focus on addressing key gaps, including regional coverage, mental health, obstetrics, and psychiatry.
