It’s been revealed that the amount of available ICU beds in WA hospitals has decreased in the last 12 months.

That’s despite an announcement by the health department in April 2020 that promised more than 600 ventilated beds would be available in the following months.

It also said work was being done to train skilled staff to operate those beds.

However, the Health Minister admitted that there is currently a skills shortage, and the state needs more ICU nurses, theatres nurses and ED nurses.

Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam said the government have failed to use the time they’ve had.

“They’ve failed to ensure our hospitals are best prepared for when COVID comes into our community,” she said.

“And they’ve relied on the efforts of Western Australians, and relied on one strategy – which is to shut WA off from the rest of the world.

“Meanwhile, we have a health system which is literally on it’s knees, which is struggling to cope with the day-to-day issues.”

Press PLAY to hear more below

Image: iStock by Getty