The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS) says it is reaching its limit as it battles rising COVID-19 case numbers and overcrowded housing in remote communities across the region.
The organisation has also accused the WA government of being "fixated" on vaccination rates while being unprepared to provide "basic primary health care needs" when people do become infected.
Isolation a 'privilege' not available to all
Ms O'Donnell said KAMS had struggled "every day, every hour and every minute" to maintain services as case numbers grow.
Ms O'Donnell said overcrowded accommodation was a "major concern and logistical issue" in providing safe and practical isolation accommodation in remote communities.
"Because of the overcrowding, there are no options for isolating cases away from their families to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities.
"We cannot sustain isolating people in houses with large numbers."
More support needed
Ms O'Donnell, who is also the chairperson of the Aboriginal Health Council of WA, called on the state government to immediately provide more food and welfare support.
"What we want is a much more streamlined easy process for people to have access to food and for people to have access to accommodation," she said.
"I'm having a go at the WA government and departments…[that] don't live in our communities, have no idea what we have to deal with 24/7, but make the decision [in Perth] and we all have to live with it."
Peak still weeks away in regions
Ms O'Donnell slammed comments from Premier Mark McGowan late last week that the state would soon reach its peak case load.
"He [Mark McGowan] is thinking Perth next week will have their peak, but he's not thinking that the regions haven't got to a peak," she said.
"It's like they don't really care about the rest of the region [which] is going to be left behind."
Not enough isolation options
Tania Baxter is the CEO at Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community, a remote community about 180 kilometres south of Broome.
She said while overcrowding had long been a concern in remote communities, rising infection rates had highlighted the urgent need for investment in housing.
"In the mainstream…if you need to isolate or you're COVID positive, in your home you have appropriate bedrooms and bathrooms for your household," she said.
"But in Aboriginal communities it's not the same situation."
"There doesn't seem to be any options for even people being able to quarantine outside the community."
Government standing by its response
In a statement, a state government spokesperson said the pandemic had presented unique challenges in regional and remote areas.
"There are difficulties sourcing appropriate emergency accommodation in some remote communities, but the government does have emergency accommodation in larger towns such as Broome, Derby and Kununurra," the statement said.
"This emergency accommodation is available to people living in surrounding smaller remote communities if required."
The statement said the government was also providing welfare support for people with COVID-19 or those required to self-isolate, which includes basic essentials such as food, clothing, toiletries and baby care items.
