48 beds in a Perth hospital have sat empty for six months over fire safety
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The issue comes at a time when the health system is on its knees, with the Australian Medical Association of WA consistently saying the only solution to the state’s record ramping levels at public hospitals is new beds.
Ramping reached 7274 hours in September but dropped to 4429 hours in October – its second-lowest level this year.
Shadow health minister Libby Mettam recently wrote to the government urging it to revisit the Mount’s licence.
“The lack of clear communication, responsiveness, and flexibility from LARU is not only impacting patient outcomes and hospital operations—it raises questions about governance and accountability within the unit itself,” she said in her letter.
“While strong regulatory oversight is essential to maintaining high standards in health care, this must be balanced by timely decision-making, equitable application of standards, and respect for the practical challenges facing healthcare providers — particularly at a time when the private hospital sector is already under significant strain.”
Healthscope first announced the $35 million redevelopment of the hospital in August 2023 with a press release at the time suggesting the project would be complete in the first half of 2024.
Works began in April 2024 and were unveiled on May 7 this year.
At the unveiling in May the Mount’s director of nursing Donna Speedie told 7 News the hospital had stayed open over the two-year development, dealing with noise pollution and reduced bed capacity.
“It’s probably the least amount of inpatient beds we’ve had,” she said.
Healthscope collapsed in May, succumbing to debts of around $1.6 billion.
The delayed opening of the Mount will place further pressure on the hospital.
A spokesman for Healthscope did not answer questions about the fire safety systems but said it was in the final stages of commissioning the new facilities.
”The new ward at Mount Private Hospital is in the final stages of commissioning with the regulator, and we expect the ward to open in 2026,” he said.
“Mount Hospital continues to operate as normal, delivering outstanding patient care for the community.”
