RPH 'will keep top-tier status'
The head of Royal Perth Hospital has reassured staff he believes it will remain a tertiary hospital despite uncertainty over the site's future.
Acting executive director Aresh Anwar has sent an email to staff amid speculation that parts of the hospital might be demolished or it could lose its tertiary status.
Last week's State Budget earmarked $19 million for critical maintenance at the hospital this year but the forward estimates show no funds for redevelopment.
Treasurer Mike Nahan said this week that demolishing an outdated section was a possibility despite an earlier commitment to spend $180 million on redeveloping the hospital.
Premier Colin Barnett conceded yesterday that some of the hospital might need to be demolished but promised to keep a central city hospital in Perth.
Dr Anwar told RPH staff that they needed to "read beyond the headline".
"My personal take on the messages are very simple - the work of all RPH staff is outstanding and RPH will continue to operate as a tertiary hospital," he said.
