Addressing inequities in WA Healthcare: building a fairer system for all
Adjusting the picture
The issue of public hospital TV fees in WA has sparked widespread debate, with discussions featured on ABC, 6PR, and SkyNews. On Wednesday, I was invited on to 6PR’s Perth Live with Oliver Peterson to share the Health Consumers’ Council of WA’s (HCCWA) perspective on healthcare equity in Western Australia, and the cost of watching free-to-air TV in public hospitals around WA.
The strong public response to the issue of free TV services reveals that many West Australians believe that everyone should be able to access basic amenities, such as free-to-air TV, in public hospitals. HCCWA works to amplify the voices of people who use healthcare providers in WA, or those caring for someone else who does. And let’s face it, that’s pretty much all Western Australians.
Changing the channel – it’s more than a call for free TV in our hospitals
Healthcare equity is a complex issue, and community feedback reflects a range of perspectives. Patients can pay up to $14 per day or $54 weekly for access to basic television services which are outsourced by hospitals to external providers. These costs can disproportionately affect long-term patients especially elderly people, and people on low-incomes.
Some argue against taxpayer funding of ‘patient entertainment’, while others share heartbreaking stories of loved ones unable to afford basic comforts during their recovery. As I shared with the ABC earlier this week:
Being in hospital can be overwhelming. Patients face the stress of medical procedures, waiting for results, and being away from home—all while feeling unwell. Mental health is critical to physical recovery, and free access to TV provides a soothing escape. In a state as wealthy as WA, we can surely find ways to ensure everyone can enjoy small comforts like summer sport while they heal.”
At HCCWA, we believe everyone should have the same access to the seemingly small things which can have a big impact on someone’s wellbeing.
Turning up the volume on fairness
This debate highlights deeper systemic challenges in our healthcare system. When basic amenities like television become a financial burden for those already struggling, and other out-of-pocket healthcare costs, it raises important questions about equity in healthcare. As financial pressures on West Australians increase, should a person’s ability to have a good experience in hospital depend on their bank balance? We don’t think so. So we’re adding this to the list of things we’re looking at to see what can be done about it.
Broader advocacy for healthcare equity
While TV access for people on low incomes might seem like an insignificant issue, it’s just one aspect of healthcare equity and access to healthcare in Western Australia. As we approach both state and federal elections, we’ll be putting forward a patient and health consumer lens on critical issues like access to bulk billing GPs, mental health treatment affordability, affordability of ambulance services, and community-based care options. We’ll also be commenting on maternity care, women’s health, suicide prevention, and the health impacts of racism on First Nations peoples and other communities and other health disparities in Western Australia.
A great health system – for all
We know many West Aussies have a great experience in WA health services. We’re here to speak up for the people who don’t and advocate for health policy reforms. We’ll continue to advocate for fair access for all by amplifying people’s experiences where they are struggling with our healthcare system. Whether we’re talking about keeping your mind occupied in hospital or broader systemic issues, our commitment remains the same: championing fairness, equity, safety, and empowered consumers in healthcare.
Join the conversation
We’re about building a healthcare system that treats everyone with dignity, regardless of their financial situation. We believe that no one should face additional barriers to access, comfort and wellbeing simply because they’re doing it tough financially.
Join us in our community-led mission to shape our healthcare system so that it meets the needs of all Western Australians. Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn or check out the resources on our website. Together, we can create a healthcare system that’s fair for all.