Don't cut WA health budget, urges AMA

The West Australian health budget should be quarantined from "efficiency cuts"
imposed by the WA government, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) says.
All public sectors will slash three per cent from their budget for the state
government's efficiency dividend.
WA AMA president Professor Gary Geelhoed on Sunday said all money saved should be
ploughed back into front line health needs.
"If the government allows health standards to deteriorate to save money, they will
betray all West Australians who were promised our public hospital system would be
restored to full health," Prof Geelhoed said.
"The community is braced for a tough budget this year but they should not have to
put up with a deteriorating public health system that has caused unnecessary pain
and suffering for almost a decade."
In response, Premier Colin Barnett said funds which stemmed from budget cuts in
health would be redirected back into the system.
"The three per cent savings is about making some savings within our system," Mr
Barnett told reporters.
"Not to put the money in the bank, but to use that money for more important purposes
and expand the health system.
"One of our major commitments has been to bring forward the construction of a new
children's hospital for Western Australia."