Page 2295 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 1 November 1989
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QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Hospitals
MRS NOLAN: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. Did the Government consult with the New South Wales Health Minister over the development of the hospital redevelopment plan? If so, what concerns were outlined by the New South Wales Government? If not, why did the Minister fail to consult with the New South Wales Government, given the fact that some 22 per cent of the ACT's acute hospital beds are occupied by non-ACT residents, mainly from the south-east region of New South Wales?
MR BERRY: Thank you, Mrs Nolan, for the question. In response to the first part of your question, there was no consultation with the New South Wales Government. The reason for that is that the treatment for New South Wales people who use our hospitals will not change; we will continue to offer first-class health care for them.
Royal Canberra Hospital
DR KINLOCH: My question is also addressed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. May I preface it by saying that I was much relieved to hear the Minister's assurance that there are no plans for a glitzy fun park or a casino on Acton Peninsula. I offer him, indeed, an apology for overreacting to one section of yesterday's statement, but I am sure he understands my concern. The worry persists, however. Could he spell out what is intended in the way of recreational facilities, and could these be quickly removed if it became necessary to upgrade the hospital to be, for example, a teaching hospital?
MR BERRY: Thank you, Dr Kinloch, for the question. The issue of community recreational facilities on the site is one in relation to which the final detail has not been settled because, as I have indicated, there is a long planning process which will go with the restructuring proposal. In line with the Government's policy on open government and consultation, I intend to make sure that the community as well as all of the players in the health system have an opportunity to have a say in what will go on the site.
It is intended, at this stage, that the site will become more attractive for community use, and where that can be enhanced by the provision of recreational facilities I expect that they will be provided. I think anybody who has visited the Royal Canberra Hospital site at any time and perhaps sat on the lawns at the front of Bennett House, would agree with me that it is a very beautiful site, and there is an opportunity to open the site up a little more for community use. I think, if recreational facilities of
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