Page 1138 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 22 August 1989
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have asked the ACT Government purchasing group to consider this matter urgently.
Radiotherapy Treatment
MR BERRY: A further question was raised on 26 July by Mr Moore. It was:
Has the Minister received a letter from the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists detailing the parlous state of radiotherapy in Australia? If so, what steps has the Minister taken to ensure that ACT patients do not suffer as a result of the problems identified by the college?
My response is as follows: The Royal Australasian College of Radiologists has recently mounted a national campaign to publicise a shortage in equipment and staffing levels in radiotherapy services throughout Australia. I have replied to the college's letter on this issue.
I am fully aware of the need to maintain and improve services in this area. As such, the ACT Department of Community Services and Health is currently in the first stage of a five-year equipment renewal program for radiotherapy services. Computer equipment to the value of $600,000 to improve patient planning has already been purchased. Future equipment requirements include the installation of a $2m high-energy linear accelerator by 1995.
The need for additional staff is also being addressed. In developing the renewal program, my department will closely examine the specific staff requirements and the issue of recruitment.
In addition, my department will be preparing a statement on the future planning needs of oncology services at Woden Valley Hospital. In this context, I have asked for a report to be provided to me to ensure an appropriate service is provided to the community.
MR BERRY (Minister for Community Services and Health): I would like to make a personal explanation in relation to a question that was raised by Dr Kinloch earlier about nurses. My response to Dr Kinloch's question related to nursing staff generally, and I feel that the area of nursing to which Dr Kinloch was referring was enrolled nurses, although that was not mentioned specifically. I might respond in relation to that, and it may clear the matter up, although I have already indicated that I would be prepared to consult Dr Kinloch on any advice that he might have in relation to nursing shortages in aged persons institutions.
There is currently an oversupply of enrolled nurses in the ACT, and a temporary slowdown in training will allow the
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