Page 6422 - Week 19 - Tuesday, 17 December 1991
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The other recommendations in this sections are all matters of Government policy. The provision of convalescent, hospice and rehabilitation and aged care services on Acton Peninsula were announced in 6 August 1991. A detailed planning study has been underway since that time and I am expdcting the results at the end of the month.
The Governments decision on the Clinical School will be (has been) dealt with in my Ministerial Statement today.
In relation to operating theatres
Recommendations
the Board of Health advise the Minister about the feasibility of using operating theatres in public
hospitals on weekends. (4.11) the Board of Health does not reduce the number of
operating theatres, particularly day-surgery theatres, in use in ACT public hospitals. (4.19)
Response
I will seek advice from the Board on the feasibility of weekend operating sessions. I would speculate however that on staff costs alone this would be a doubtful proposition.
I would like to correct a misconception implied by the statement at (paragraph) 4.18 concerning the level of day surgery performed in the ACT. Contrary to the view being reported, the ACT is doing relatively well with about 340 of all surgical procedures at Woden Valley Hospital being done through Day Surgery.
In relation to emergency facilities
Recommendations
pending completion of the new Diagnostic and Treatment Block at Woden Valley Hospital, the Board of Health urgently upgrade the present facilities in the Emergency Department of Woden Valley Hospital. (4.23) the Board of Health urgently develop appropriate procedures to facilitate in-patient admissions through the emergency department of Woden Valley Hospital. (4.26)
Response
In relation to the recommendation concerning accident and emergency facilities at Woden Valley Hospital, I am happy to advise that five primary care cubicles have been commissioned in the Accident and Emergency Department since the Committees visit there, improving the flow through. of course there were many pressures placed on staff and services in our public health system by the previous governments decision to fast track the closure of Royal Canberra Hospital.
In relation to structures
Recommendations
the next Legislative Assembly consider setting up an inquiry into the appropriate structure to meet the health needs of the ACT and adjoining regions. (9.12)
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