Page 1370 - Week 05 - Thursday, 25 June 1992

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MINISTER FOR HEALTH

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION 176

Health Services Complaints Unit

Mrs Carnell - asked the Minister for Health:

In relation to the proposed Independent Complaints Unit what will be (a) the capital and recurrent costs; (b) the organisational form; (c) powers; (d) investigative scope; and (e) time flame, of the proposed unit.

Mr Berry - the answer to Mrs Carnells question is:

I am committed to the Governments policy to establish an independent complaints unit. The proposal for such a unit is still being developed; I will soon be issuing a discussion paper for community comment.

(a) Capital arid recurrent costs are not known at this stage. The Government estimated in

its election commitments that the recurrent costs might be around $150,000.

(b) The proposal is for an independent Unit reporting to me, as in other States. The

emphasis will be on conciliation, and on dealing with complaints at the provider level

wherever possible.

of documents and the appearance of witnesses. I expect that the Registration Boards

will remain the sole body responsible for disciplining registered professionals.

(d) Apart from Registered providers of health care services, it is likely the Unit would

also receive complaints relating to alternative health care providers, and most health related services and institutions.

(e) The discussion paper on the Unit is expected to be released in July 1992 with around 2

months for public comment.

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