Page 1202 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 22 August 1989
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fortnightly planned programmed maintenance and the comprehensive record of any breakdowns. The ACT Department of Community Services and Health seeks to ensure that the highest quality of patient care is maintained.
My department will be preparing a statement on the future planning requirements of the oncology department at Woden Valley Hospital, to address the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists' recent concerns on the state of radiotherapy services throughout Australia. In this context, I have asked for a report to be provided to me on radiotherapy services to ensure an appropriate service is provided to the community.
My department is also addressing the re-equipment needs of the oncology department. It is currently in the first of a five-year equipment replacement program. The program has commenced with the purchase of a sophisticated computer system to improve patient treatment planning and will culminate in the installation of a $2m high energy linear accelerator by 1995.
Driving Licences
Mrs Grassby: During question time on 6 July 1989 Dr Kinloch asked for information about the requirement for drivers over the age of 70 to have annual medical examinations in order to have licences renewed. I can now provide the following information:
The recent tightening of regulations relating to aged drivers was introduced to reduce the high accident rate of aged drivers. Road accident statistics show a steep increase in the accident rate of drivers over 50 years of age, reaching, at the age of 75, an accident rate above that of the 17 to 25 age group. The accident rate of young drivers is principally linked to inexperience, but that of the aged is more likely to be linked with physiological deterioration.
The proposal to introduce a graduated driver licensing scheme is specifically targeted at assisting young drivers to develop responsible road use attitudes and behaviour patterns. The older driver is now required to have more regular eye tests from the age of 50 and annual medical examinations from the age of 70.
Although the rate of physical and mental decline varies greatly from person to person, the physiological changes that accompany ageing eventually affect everyone's ability to drive safely. The borderline between acceptable decline and hazardous deterioration is best judged by qualified medical practitioners. An unfavourable medical report does not necessarily mean that a person will lose his/her licence. Restrictions may be recommended where driving is difficult or fatiguing, e.g. long journeys, night driving, peak hour traffic and high-speed freeway driving.
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