News
WA Private Health and Hospital Summit explores solutions for continued viability of sector
Monday September 9, 2024
Leaders from the medical profession, private hospitals and private health insurers have joined the AMA (WA) this morning at the WA Private Health and Hospital Summit.
Recent closures of private maternity units and a mental health unit in Western Australia have contributed to increasing concerns at the AMA (WA) about patient access to private health services. It is vital for the community to have both the public and private systems working optimally to provide viable and sustainable healthcare services.
The AMA (WA) convened the Summit to develop solutions that address a wide range of issues that have emerged in WA. These include the comprehensiveness of the service offering; access to timely care; patient choice; the relationship between public and private systems; and enablers of high-value care.
AMA (WA) Private Specialist Practice Group Chair Dr Brigid Corrigan said the WA Private Health and Hospital Summit was a timely intervention by the AMA (WA) to explore solutions.
“Western Australians have traditionally relied on private health insurance and private hospital care for holistic care at all stages of life: obstetrics; all types of elective surgery; cancer care; medical; and rehabilitation,” Dr Corrigan said.
“The continued viability of the private hospital sector, and the ability and willingness to provide comprehensive care is an essential part of overall healthcare provision to Western Australians.”
