❓ The Premier outlines the Cook Labor government's $140 million winter health strategy focusing on prevention, patient flow, bed capacity, elderly care, education, and workforce to address increased demand and ensure Western Australians have access to necessary healthcare.

Health—2026 winter strategy52.Ms Sook Yee Laito the Premier:I refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to ensuring that all Western Australians can access the health care they need when they need it. Can the Premier update the house on what action this government is taking to support the wellbeing of all Western Australians as we prepare for the upcoming winter season?

Mr Roger Cook replied:I thank the member for the question. She is correct; one of our key commitments is ensuring that all Western Australians can get the health care they need when they need it. There is no denying that this is a challenge in a state the size of Western Australia or in a state with the fastest growing population in the nation or in a state with an increasing ageing population.Several members interjected.Mr Roger Cook:There is no denying that the combination of those factors is putting significant pressure on our system. Last year was one of the toughest on record for our system, with almost 1.2 million emergency department visits and more than 700,000 public hospital admissions, and we had one of the worst flu seasons on record, with our vaccination rates lower than we would like. We do not just want to change this; we are determined to improve it. That is why we are preparing for the future, including the near future, when I was happy to announce with the Minister for Health this morning our 2026 winter strategy.There is no single solution, so our strategy is focused on every aspect of a patient's journey through the health system. It is backed by an additional $140 million investment that will boost our system's resilience when demand is at its highest. Our plan focuses on prevention, patient flow, bed capacity, caring for our elderly, education and workforce. We are investing $14 million in immunisation programs and promotion to protect the community from influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. We are expanding the WA virtual emergency department and elevating the 24/7 service of the State Health Operations Centre to track bed availability and patient numbers and to optimise ambulance response.Members in this place will be aware that our record $4.9 billion health infrastructure plan is building capacity across our system. We are buying a hospital, we are redeveloping a hospital and we are building a number of hospitals. This, of course, includes bed capacity. While we progress with the acquisition of St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital, we will make all beds at the hospital available for public use during winter. We will work with the private sector to take on more elective surgeries in times of extreme demand. We will help older patients receive the right care in the right place through an additional $24.5 million investment in our nation-leading Time to Think program.It is critical that the whole of the community is on board with our strategy, and that is why we are placing a heavy focus on education to inform community members about their options for healthcare services, but also about the importance of people getting themselves immunised against influenza and RSV. This strategy will ensure that we are prepared, responsive and well coordinated ahead of winter. It covers everything from preventive health to driving efficiencies in our hospitals and freeing up beds for those who need it most. Importantly, it means that we are meeting record demand with record investment. Western Australians can be assured that we have a strong plan to ensure that they have access to the health care they need when they need it and beyond. Our winter strategy is a key part of our investment and strategic response to ensure that our hospital systems can withstand the surge of demand during the winter season. Health—2026 winter strategy