Page 2204 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 31 October 1989
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greater choice for clients. Because Calvary Hospital is managed by the Little Company of Mary, there is concern that for medico-moral reasons particular services would be available at only one hospital if either Woden Valley or Royal Canberra were closed. Continued provision of hospital services at three sites will maintain the accessibility of the system no matter where Canberrans live. It will also provide an improved capacity to expand to accommodate additional hospital beds when the need develops.
One other issue which has emerged in the consultation process and recent media reports is training for the medical profession. There is clearly a need to ensure that the proposals of the ACT tertiary institutions are developed in ways which maximise benefits to the Territory and are not competitive, but are soundly based on educational, health and resource grounds.
As an important component of the proposal to upgrade and revitalise the public hospital system, the Government will develop Acton Peninsula for improved community use. At present the peninsula is largely inaccessible to the general public. The Government has decided to proceed with the construction of nursing home beds on the site. As well, the Government will investigate the provision of convalescent and hospice facilities and a birthing centre.
Without infringing sensitive planning controls, the Government will move quickly to promote the development of a limited range of recreational facilities which will greatly enhance its value to all residents of the ACT.
The redevelopment of the ACT public hospital system is urgent and essential, and the Government's decisive action in dealing with this complex issue will enable the quality of hospital services available to the citizens of Canberra and the surrounding areas to be rapidly improved and expanded as necessary over time.
What is proposed by the Government represents a major capital investment of $200m to $210m for the ACT community. Given the best circumstances, the planning and construction of the extensive range of work required will take between five and seven years to complete. Through this program, the Government will provide a public hospital system that will incorporate design and technology fully in keeping with contemporary standards, and the quality and range of services to be offered will be enhanced.
As well, it will be more efficient in design, and substantial ongoing operating cost savings of over $5m will be achieved without in any way affecting the quality or level of services provided. This will be of considerable assistance to the Government in seriously addressing the $13.4m above-standard expenditure in health services identified by the Commonwealth Grants Commission in its 1988 report into ACT finances.
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