Morale to be resuscitated at WA hospital

WA Health Minister Roger Cook has told staff at Princess Margaret Hospital to contact him with their concerns, after a damning report on staff morale.

Health Minister Roger Cook has met with about 200 employees from Perth's Princess Margaret Hospital after a damning report on morale led to the resignation of WA's child and adolescent health service chief.

Frank Daly quit last week after the report, which was released on Friday, found staff felt undervalued and the facility was chaotic, with excessive micro management, poor communication and lack of collaboration in problem solving.

Mr Cook said while staff were angry and resentful, they were also relieved and ready to improve morale at the children's hospital.

He maintained patients were not put at risk despite the findings of the report and that the state government was considering its 16 recommendations.

"I said to the staff today that at any time, at any time that they feel that they want to raise an issue with me, the minister, personally, that I was prepared to pick up the phone and listen to those concerns," he told reporters on Monday.

The report also found there had been a "fundamental failure of leadership" and if improvements were not made at the hospital, it would "almost certainly" affect safety.

Chair of the Child and Adolescent Health Service Board Debbie Karasinki said two experts would be brought in for about 12 months to look at change management, medical administration and leadership.

Despite long delays to the opening of the new Perth Children's Hospital, Ms Karasinki said it was "the shining light, surprisingly", for staff who remained enthusiastic about moving.

Mr Cook said the Perth Children's Hospital was unlikely to open by the new September deadline but progress was being made treating lead contamination at the facility.

Mr Daly had been in charge of the commissioning process but the health minister ensured the process would continue without him.

The $1.2 billion hospital was due to be completed in 2015 but problems with the facility have included asbestos in roof panels, non-compliant fire doors and lead in the drinking water.

"It's unlikely we'll meet that August-September deadline, which is disappointing," Mr Cook told 6PR radio on Monday.


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Source: AAP



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