Health care network East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) says the new Byford health hub will improve access to care in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs amid increasing pressure to Armadale hospital.
An EMHS spokesperson said Armadale hospital had more than 70,000 emergency department presentations a year and 6000 outpatient appointments.
“Armadale Health Service (AHS) is experiencing higher volumes of ED presentations and an increase in higher need patients arriving by ambulance,” the spokesperson said.
“In response, WA Health is investing in the Byford health hub to improve access to care for patients not requiring an acute hospital bed by increasing the availability of primary and urgent services to the local community, and availability of outpatient appointments.
“Importantly, the hub will lessen the need for residents to travel for some appointments at other, further away, hospitals.”
The EMHS spokesperson said unlike the Armadale hospital, the Byford health hub would only offer some community-based outpatient services and medical imaging.
The spokesperson said the hub would not have an emergency department and could only provide primary and urgent care services.
According to the Department of Health urgent care cases include sports injuries, minor infections and mild burns while emergency cases could include breathing difficulties, numbness or paralysis and poisoning.
EMHS said a 26 per cent increase in the population of the Armadale catchment and a high birth rate was expected in the next 11 years.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) WA president Dr Kyle Hoath supported the government’s investment in the hub and its location.
“Those attracted to locations such as Armadale/Serpentine-Jarrahdale are usually seeking the benefits of a less urban locale but do not wish to give up access to contemporary services, particularly vital medical services,” Dr Hoath said.
“Any services that help reduce the need for hospital visits, and reduce the stress of extra travel, are wins for the community and the entire system.”
With the hub expected to open in 2027, Dr Hoath said it was vital the hub be built to cater for the growing Serpentine-Jarrahdale population.
Tender for construction of the new Byford Health Hub has been issued by the state government with bids to close on August 28.
