Page 3574 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 8 December 1992
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Hospital Bed Closures
MR LAMONT: My question is directed to the Minister for Health. Can the Minister advise what bed closures there will be in ACT public hospitals over the Christmas holiday period?
MR BERRY: As in previous years, there will be a planned reduction in services at both Woden Valley and Calvary hospitals over the Christmas-New Year period because of reduced demand. Between 21 December 1992 and 24 January 1993, the number of beds and operating theatres available in the public hospital system - those two hospitals I mentioned - will be reduced to coincide with low activity periods. That has happened year after year.
I wish to assure the Assembly that during this period services to those needing urgent or emergency care will not be affected. The accident and emergency departments will continue to operate on a 24-hour-a-day basis. By way of information to the community, that is not unusual and it will occur again. It has occurred in public hospital systems in other places as people take proper advantage of these low activity periods.
Government Service
MR HUMPHRIES: My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations - "Blank cheque" Berry. I refer the Minister once again to the directive from the Federal Government - - -
Mr Connolly: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Ministers are to be addressed by titles, and these sorts of throwaway nicknames really do detract from the dignity of the house.
MR HUMPHRIES: I withdraw any hurting inference, Madam Speaker. I refer the Minister once again to the directive from the Federal Government for the ACT to be responsible for its own public service. Noting that the Government has had nearly six months to consider the directive the Federal Government issued, is the Minister now in a position to tell the Assembly what, if anything, has been done about that matter?
MR BERRY: I am very pleased to respond to the question from the now honest Minister, who some of us - - -
Mr Cornwell: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: The imputation is that - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Berry, I would ask you to withdraw any improper imputation and then proceed.
MR BERRY: Madam Speaker, I use Mr Humphries's own words. "Well, I am honest now that I am out of government", says Mr Humphries. I am not quite sure whether Mr Kaine believes him.
Mr Humphries: You have asked him to withdraw, Madam Speaker.
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