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State has let kids down: doctors

Not enough: Construction work at the new children's hospital site. Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian

Doctors have accused the State Government of letting down WA children by dodging calls to fund an expansion of the new children's hospital in tomorrow's Budget.

The Australian Medical Association said yesterday it was "hugely disappointing" the Government was delaying a decision on the hospital's future.

Many senior staff fear the hospital will not be able to cope with demand soon after building is finished in 2015.

It is understood a recommendation went to Cabinet on Monday after Health Department acting director-general Bryant Stokes was called in to brief ministers on the state of the department.

But Health Minister Kim Hames would not say whether a decision had been made, only confirming nothing would be announced as part of the Budget.

Last month, more than 60 senior specialists and heads of department from Princess Margaret Hospital sent a petition to Dr Hames, warning that the new $1.2 billion hospital would reach capacity within two years of opening. The AMA wants 100 more beds and says adding an extra storey to the hospital will cost about $40 million.

AMA WA president Richard Choong said yesterday if the Government ignored concerns of its senior staff it would do so at its peril.

"They can't complain they haven't had time to make a decision because we know the Government has been in discussion with the builders," Dr Choong said.

"The new hospital is not like a carpark where you turn away cars when you put up the 'Full' sign.

"We're talking about the lives of our sickest children."

He was confident the Government would still pledge money for more beds "without robbing other areas of the hospital".

Dr Choong warned against the argument that other hospitals could absorb extra demand, saying children needing specialist care had no option but to go to a tertiary hospital.


The AMA cited the recent experience of several Melbourne hospitals having to close their doors to critically ill infants.