Established 37 years ago, Joondalup Health Campus (JHC) has been a cornerstone of healthcare for Perth’s northern suburbs, continually expanding to meet the needs of a growing population.

Since its inception, the hospital has undergone significant upgrades, including a major redevelopment in 2013 that doubled the size of the emergency department, expanded maternity and mental health services, and increased bed capacity.

Seven years later, in 2020, another redevelopment began, expanding mental health facilities, cardiac services, and parking infrastructure.

As part of this project, two additional 30-bed wards are being constructed, yet due to government inaction, they remain unused under the guise of “future-proofing”, despite the urgent need for more hospital beds.

With record ambulance ramping, growing elective surgery waitlists, and prolonged emergency department wait times, these 60 beds could significantly alleviate pressure on the health system.

When delays in healthcare can mean the difference between life, death, or long-term disability, leaving these beds empty is not just inefficient—it’s inexcusable.

The WA Liberals know more needs to be done to meet immediate healthcare demands in our northern suburbs.

This is not just an infrastructure issue – it is a failure of Labor’s leadership and planning.

With WA recently labelled as having the worst health system in the country by the Productivity Commission, a future-focused decision needs to be made to ensure these two wards are functional for years to come.

Only a WA Liberal Government will deliver it.

The WA Liberals believe Western Australia must maximise the use of its hospital infrastructure to meet the growing demand for healthcare while also planning for future generations.

As Perth’s metropolitan area continues to expand, it is essential to provide accessible and efficient medical services closer to home, ensuring residents receive timely care and better health outcomes.

Yet, instead of addressing urgent healthcare needs, Labor has failed to act, leaving two fully constructed 30-bed wards at Joondalup Health Campus sitting empty while the hospital struggles under increasing pressure.

With emergency departments overwhelmed and patients either enduring long wait times or avoiding care altogether, it is critical to activate these beds now.

The infrastructure exists—the only thing missing is government action to ensure our hospitals can meet both current and future demand.

A WA Liberal Government will commit $20 million to fit out the existing wards, and $30 million per annum for the associated operational costs.

These beds will be used across multiple specialties, including emergency department, general medical, and surgical care, ensuring broad benefits for the community.

By making them operational, approximately 4,000 additional patients can receive treatment each year, easing the strain on Joondalup Health Campus and significantly improving patient outcomes.

Western Australians deserve a government that delivers real solutions, not delays, to address the growing pressure on our hospitals and ensure better healthcare for Perth’s northern suburbs.

Only the WA Liberal Party is committed to making healthcare a priority and ensuring WA’s health system meets the needs of its people.