The Nationals WA: State Must Act on WA Aged Care Crisis - Not Just Point to Canberra

New figures revealing a 30 per cent surge in older Australians stuck in hospital beds over summer lay bare a growing aged care access crisis that is paralysing Western Australia's health system.

Shadow Minister for Aged Care Bevan Eatts MLA says the Cook Labor Government cannot continue deflecting responsibility to Canberra while WA hospitals remain gridlocked.

"In WA alone, an average of 339 patients are currently stuck in hospital because there are no aged care placements available," Mr Eatts said.

"Blaming Canberra won't free up a single hospital bed in Bunbury, Manjimup or Margaret River. The State Government must use the levers it controls and take practical action now to relieve pressure on our hospitals and protect vulnerable seniors."

A national report card shows 3,137 aged care patients were stranded in public hospital beds in February - up from 2,419 in September - a staggering 30 per cent increase in just five months.

Mr Eatts said the consequences are being felt acutely across the South West and Warren-Blackwood, where hospitals are already grappling with workforce shortages, rising demand and seasonal population surges.

"There are immediate steps the State can take to reduce avoidable admissions and ease congestion - particularly in residential aged care settings," he said.

"One practical measure would be funding RSV vaccinations for residents in aged care homes.

"RSV can have devastating consequences for older people. Outbreaks in facilities frequently lead to hospital admissions that are preventable. This is a common-sense investment that would reduce pressure on hospitals while safeguarding some of our most vulnerable Western Australians."

Mr Eatts has previously called for targeted vaccination programs in aged care facilities, expanded transition care options, and stronger coordination between hospitals and residential providers to ensure older patients are discharged safely and promptly.

"West Australians don't care which level of government is responsible - they care about outcomes," Mr Eatts said.

"WA cannot afford inaction while hospital corridors fill and older patients wait. We need practical, immediate measures that reduce congestion and deliver better care - not excuses and finger pointing."