Winter 2025 was one of the toughest for Western Australia’s health system, with more severe influenza (flu) like illnesses and high demand across hospitals and community services. Last year, there were almost 1.2 million emergency department visits and 700,000 public hospital admissions.
Learning from this experience, the strategy explains what we are doing to make sure people can get the care they need, when they need it, in the safest and most appropriate setting.
The WA Department of Health is working closely with St John WA, the Mental Health Commission, aged care providers and community partners to respond quickly and safely when demand increases.
Together, these actions will help keep care moving and protect the safety of Western Australians during the busiest months of the year. Our focus areas:
- Prevention
Helping people stay well through vaccination and clear health information, reducing the need for hospital care
- Patient flow
Improving how patients move through the health system so they receive care quickly and safely
- Bed capacity
Increasing capacity by investing in new beds, virtual care, innovative services and partnerships
- Caring for older people
Supporting older people to receive the right care, in the right place, including recovering at home where possible, and reducing avoidable hospital stays
- Supporting our workforce
Strengthening clinical coverage and support to meet high demand
- Understanding your care options
Helping people know which health services to use depending on their needs, including GPs, community services and emergency care.
Last reviewed: 24-02-2026