Former under treasurer Michael Barnes and former department of health director general Neale Fong will also lead an audit into health maintenance and procurement.
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“In addition we’ll also be undertaking a review … this will be overseen by Department of Premier and Cabinet and the purpose is to look at our procurement processes and how we can be as efficient as possible to deliver the maintenance and upgrades we need,” Carey said.
“This is an acknowledgement there’s more work to do.
“I’ve listened, and we’re acting … we’re taking it seriously.”
However, both Carey and Cook maintained the WA health system continued to be one of the best in the nation.
“We have the best doctors, nurses and health professionals working through our system and many of the metrics that I’m about to mention point to their great work.
“No other state sees a higher proportion of people through their emergency departments in under four hours than in Western Australia, and our record amount of elective surgery are being performed across the state.
“But that doesn’t mean that there’s not more work to do.”
The government was strongly criticised by Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas on Sunday, who claimed inaction on the health system had put patients at risk.
Zempilas also levelled criticism at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a resources sector showcase in Perth on Sunday for failing to meet with him.
“If I had an opportunity just to have a moment with [Albanese], I would have asked him about our hospital crisis,” Zempilas said.
Liberal leader Basil Zempilas.Credit: Connor McGoverne
“I do find it extraordinary that all week, part of the defence from the state government has been from the premier, the health minister and the minister for aged care [that] ‘we’re going to Canberra to speak to the prime minister’.
“The prime minister is here today, and I find it staggering that the health minister and the aged care minister aren’t making time to see him and explain the absolute gravity of the situation as it relates to hospital beds.
“They have pointed the finger fairly and squarely at the prime minister this week … you’d think they’d have the guts and the smarts to go and see him while he’s here, and say, ‘we need your help’.
“Yet the state government appeared absent today, and it’s a wasted opportunity.”
The event was a Seven West Media and Kerry Stokes-backed showcase on industry, resources and technology in WA.
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