❓ Ms. Mettam raises concerns about WA's hospital capacity during winter, citing a specific patient case and past crises. Ms. Hammat responds by outlining the government's $140 million winter strategy, including increased bed capacity and targeted programs.

Health—2026 winter strategy62.Ms Libby Mettamto theMinister for Health:I refer to the ABC radio report this morning of a WA patient with a brain tumour who spent five days at Royal Perth Hospital waiting to be transferred to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for neurological care, including time spent in an area staff reportedly call the dungeon.Given WA has one of the lowest numbers of hospital beds per capita in the country and emergency departments are clearly under sustained pressure, how can Western Australians have any confidence there will not be a repeat of last winter's hospital crisis this year?

Ms Meredith Hammat replied:I thank the member for the question as it is an opportunity to talk about the winter strategy that we released just this morning. Let me tell the member about some of the important initiatives that are in that strategy, because it goes to her question about ensuring that we are taking a range of steps to ensure that our system has the capacity to meet what we see in winter, which is an increase in demand.Today we announced $140 million to assist with preparations for the winter months. That includes $61 million to increase bed capacity; $24 million for our Time to Think beds, which have been particularly successful for ensuring that older Western Australians are able to access a bed while they consider the next step in their care, whether that is residential aged care or being able to return home with particular supports; and $14 million for our vaccination program. Just last week, the Minister for Preventative Health and the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors announced our program to roll out the RSV vaccine to people aged over 65 years, living in aged-care settings. We have previously announced FluMist, an initiative that means that children aged two to 11 years will be able to access a vaccination against the flu without having to have a needle, as well as some new pilots, like $20 million to assist us in monitoring older patients who are discharged to home, to ensure that they have some supports when they come home. We also have been very clear with the community. This is the planning that is underway.The Department of Health, working with the health service providers, is well advanced to ensure that our systemis well prepared to meet the additional demands that we see during the winter months. I have been very heartened to see that since we made that announcement this morning, both Ageing Australia and also the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have issued statements supporting the work that this government has done—the work that has been put in to prepare for winter, the additional initiatives and the very targeted approaches that we have taken. This is an important step. As I say consistently in this place, we will always look at what more we can do to make sure Western Australians get access to the care they need.The Speaker:Member for Vasse, I just remind you that your first question was very long, so if you could shorten it in future, that would be great. Supplementaries are meant to be short as well. Health—2026 winter strategy