Page 1076 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 20 April 1994
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The Government has, of course, confirmed publicly that it intends to relocate the hospital to Acton Peninsula by 1996, a move which I do not think is a very sensible one. Nonetheless, the long-term management future of the hospital has not been spelt out, and I hope that we will soon see some decisions made by this Government to clear that matter up, if only for the sake of giving those people involved in the hospital and concerned about its future some peace of mind. A nurse, for example, rang our hotline to say:
Any possibility that QEII is closing would be a retrograde step for Canberra.
Another person rang and said:
Our hospitals are already overcrowded and this is the only facility available for proper care after childbirth. After spending a week there in March (1993), I have nothing but total praise for the Centre.
There were other laudatory comments about that facility. We have a great service at our disposal when an organisation like the Mothercraft Society is prepared to run that facility for us. I am sure that Ministers would concede that it is a cheaper option than having Health bureaucrats running that service. That is a way in which the Government can ensure that costs are kept down. Keep that service provided in that fashion by that particular organisation. Let the talents, the resources and the energy of volunteers and others involved in the Mothercraft Society help to keep that service a very valuable service to new mothers and babies.
Madam Speaker, there are not nearly enough dollars in health, but we can make the dollars we have and dollars outside the present net come to the service of our embattled system. I hope that the Government considers the possibilities for reconsidering the decision on Acton. There has not been much indication in Mr Connolly's remarks today, but I hope that he will consider very carefully the arguments that have been put forward. Of course, he will be aware that there are effectively no advocates in the community for Acton to be the site for the hospice, except of course certain members of the Government, and I hope that that gives the Minister some clues about what is going on.
There are a few tests for the new Minister. Will he be able to rein in the health budget, which has blown out by some $5m so far this year and looks like hitting $7m? Will he reduce the unconscionably long hospital waiting lists? Will he reopen idle hospital wards? Will he reintroduce case-mix funding initiatives which promote effectiveness? Will he restore morale among the front-line health workers who are trying so hard in such difficult circumstances but are just being ignored?
Ms Follett: You have taken Mrs Carnell's speech. We have heard all of this.
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