An investigation into the death of a patient who had been receiving care at a Pilbara hospital has sparked renewed calls for more mental health staff in the region.
WA Country Health Service has confirmed a full and thorough investigation is underway into the death of a patient after they had received treatment at Hedland Health Campus.
The ABC understands the hospital's emergency department was appropriately staffed when the patient sought care.
It is understood the patient did not spend any time in the waiting room.
Hedland Well Women's Centre chief executive Johanna Ward said referring their patients to psychologists at Hedland Health Campus was a smooth process, but there were some barriers for patients in a crisis.
"If somebody's experiencing suicidal ideation and goes to the ED, they may not be seen for a range of reasons … no beds, not enough staff," she said.
Staffing instability
Ms Ward said Hedland had a number of mental health services available in the town, but companies were struggling to retain staff.
"It's a national issue, " she said.
"We're finding that there's a [staff] shortage in such a range of services and medical services."
Ms Ward said patients could be put off from opening up about their mental health if they were constantly having to rotate through different psychologists.
Ms Ward said the Pilbara's remoteness and high cost of living often deterred people from moving to the region or staying for an extended amount of time.
WA Country Health Service Pilbara regional director Margi Faulkner said she felt deeply for the patient's family.
"While we will never be able to replace their loss, they have our full support and sincere condolences," she said.
