Rapid Antigen Tests to be used at Perth, South West public hospital EDs

At-risk patients at WA public hospitals will be screened using Rapid Antigen Tests before they enter.

The new measure is an additional way hospital staff can screen patients who have COVID-19 symptoms or have been to a known exposure location.

Fiona Stanley, Royal Perth, Rockingham, Sir Charles Gardiner and Perth Children's hospitals have introduced RATs with other metropolitan hospitals to follow next week.

Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River hospitals will start using RATs from today along with other hospitals in the South West including Augusta, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Collie, Donnybrook, Harvey, Nannup, Pemberton and Warren (Manjimup) hospitals.

Premier Mark McGowan said its hoped the use of RATs will minimise the impact of Omicron.

"Using Rapid Antigen Tests, in addition to other public health measures, in emergency departments will mean patients who need COVID-19 precautions will be identified quickly and will keep staff and other patients better protected from the virus," Mr McGowan said.

"WA has been progressively securing large volumes of Rapid Antigen Tests since Omicron spread in Australia, to help bolster our State's response to COVID-19.

"The procurement of these tests is another weapon in our arsenal to keep WA safe and protect Western Australians from the worst of COVID."