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"Reimbursement of Accomm 3.5mths"

About: Patient Assisted Travel Scheme - WACHS Midwest

(as a service user),

Reimbursement of PATS Accommodation & response to email follow up.

Lodged first week in DEC 2025, now March 2026. 

No reimbursement, no response to follow ups via email. 

Have heard other wait 4 mths or more for reimbursement when the information provided is 6 weeks. 

No feedback as to if more of required or documents provided are not correct so one can rectify. 

In my opinion, the reimbursement system needs to be reduced to 6-8 weeks &/or info in regard to how long it will take to be processed , updated in official PATS info on website or document.

I am frustrated with the length of time it takes & non response to follow ups.

I imagine those with limited funds waiting on reimbursement is very difficult to manage.

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Responses

Response from Karen Street, Director Population Health, WACHS Midwest last month
We have made a change
Karen Street
Director Population Health,
WACHS Midwest
Submitted on 23/03/2026 at 11:57 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 24/03/2026 at 11:02 AM


picture of Karen Street

Dear couragemj65

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns regarding your PATS reimbursements.

I would like to offer my apologies for the delay you have experienced in obtaining your reimbursement. I acknowledge that the reimbursement times are currently longer than they should be and we appreciate that has caused difficulties for members of our community. I can confirm we have taken several steps to reduce the waiting periods and I am confident we are making significant headway into the backlog.

I would very much like to check the status of your reimbursement. I would be grateful if you could reach out to me so I can investigate this further. My name is Karen Street, I am the PATS Coordinator for the Midwest. I can be reached on 9956 1962 and you call would be much appreciated.

Regards

Karen Street

Director Population Health

WA Country Health Service – Midwest

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by couragemj65 (a service user)

Hi Karen

Thank you for your response, it is appreciated.

I actually didn't realize this was a public forum at first & when I realized I couldn't work out how to remove. I just wanted to give feedback to PATS privately.

I do understand that there is a lot of pressure on the health service industry in general.

I also saw you are currently recruiting for a further position with PATS Midwest so I can see the team is working towards providing shorter wait times for reimbursement.

Thank you again & I will be in touch.

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