Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 4 Hansard (17 April) . . Page.. 973 ..

WODEN VALLEY HOSPITAL - TREATMENT OF ANIMALS

MR BERRY (10.59): Mr Speaker, I move:

That this Assembly, in recognition of the serious nature of the issues surrounding the admission of Woden Valley Hospital Management that animals are being treated or have been treated in the facilities of the hospital, require that the Government set up an inquiry to examine the following issues:

(1) the protocols in place at Woden Valley Hospital in relation to the examination and treatment of animals, whether they were adhered to and whether they are appropriate and accurate;

(2) the processes and requirements of both salaried and visiting medical staff at Woden Valley Hospital as they relate to the treatment of animals, whether they were adhered to and whether they are appropriate and adequate;

(3) the responsibility of the hospital in relation to the funding for staff and facilities provided by the Commonwealth Government through grants and Medicare payments;

(4) the inter-relationship between public and private patients, their treatment, costs, access, referral patterns and billing practices; and

(5) any other related matter.

Furthermore, this inquiry should be conducted by someone independent of the ACT Government, the ACT Administration, the management of Woden Valley Hospital and also the health professions involved. The choice of someone to conduct the inquiry shall be made after consultation with the Members of the Assembly.

In setting up this inquiry the Assembly makes clear its conviction that the treatment of animals in ACT Public Hospitals by salaried or visiting medical officers is inappropriate and it is important to remove the stigma placed on the many dedicated hospital staff by such acts.

The report of the inquiry is to be presented to the Assembly if it is in session or, if not, to be made available to Members as soon as it is received.

Mrs Carnell: Now, can you explain it?

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .