By Adrian Rauso

Copyright thewest

WA’s peak body for doctors has dialled up the heat on the health bureaucracy for its mishandling of an ongoing lead contamination fiasco at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Australian Medical Association WA president Kyle Hoath “remains concerned” by high levels of lead in PCH’s drinking water and “management’s lack of timely communication” about it.

Health Minister Meredith Hammat disclosed new “exceedances” of the toxic metal last week, with one sample nearly four times higher than the national safety benchmark.

Ms Hammat’s disclosure followed pressure triggered by The West Australian’s revelations that the drinking water at PCH was found to be contaminated with lead last year — more than six years on from similar lead issues that plagued the hospital’s opening.

The findings from last year were kept secret by the State Government.

Multiple sources have told The West that doctors, nurses and other front-line workers at PCH are vexed after having not received any communication about the historical or recent lead exceedances from higher-ups.

“Management must commit to full and proactive disclosure of any future exceedances to ensure all staff are promptly notified when such issues arise,” Dr Hoath said.

“This is their workplace, and they deserve to be made aware of any environmental risks that could affect their health and the wellbeing of their patients.”

Following The West’s revelations, Ms Hammat ordered more frequent water testing at public hospitals and for the Department of Health to immediately inform her of any lead exceedances.

“This is a positive step toward restoring accountability at the highest levels,” Dr Hoath said.

Despite lead levels being above the Australian Water Drinking guidelines, WA Chief Health Officer Andrew Robertson has said the water at PCH “is safe to consume”.

Dr Hoath said there was “no safe level of lead”.

“We reiterate our position that there is no safe level of lead in hospital drinking water, particularly in a paediatric setting,” he said.

Lead consumption can “severely affect the central nervous system”, according to the National Health and Medical Research Council, with young children and babies the “most susceptible”.