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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 6 Hansard (19 June) . . Page.. 1823 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

maternity services in the public sector. That is really the only part of the health system that I can speak about, in terms of our outcomes anyway. Our outcomes are extraordinarily good, Mr Speaker, in terms of maternal death and what is occurring with regard to the health of mother and baby. I think we should not underestimate those things. They are extraordinarily important.

Equally, though, we have had a study into caesarean sections under way. I think the approach that we have taken over the last two years is showing some degree of success inasmuch as our caesarean section rates are falling. What is the appropriate level in the ACT, taking into account the general demographics of the ACT? That is an issue that I understand people, such as Professor Elwood, are currently looking at.

MS TUCKER: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. I am well aware of the issues around age, Mrs Carnell, but you pointed out something interesting when you referred to the public sector where you have control. The provision of information to enable women to participate in informed decision-making about birth choices is a critical factor in reducing the rate of caesarean births. You probably are aware that in the United States not only the provision of information but also accountability within the hospital system has made a great impact. It has certainly not increased risk to mothers; it has reduced the level where it has been unnecessary. On the issue of information, can the Minister explain why the Government has reneged on its commitment to develop a maternity information and resource centre available to both providers and consumers, which is the first recommendation of the Strategic Framework for Maternity Services in the ACT 1995-98? That particular recommendation was targeted for June 1995.

MR SPEAKER: It is a very long supplementary question.

MRS CARNELL: It was a very long supplementary question. Mr Speaker, as I understand it, we have not reneged on that recommendation. That report is being worked through. The implementation is occurring. As everybody would be aware, in the next month or so we will be in a position to open the new QEII facility, which will look at outreach services - all the sorts of things that are in that report. To suggest for a moment that the approach that is currently being taken is not working is obviously wrong, because we are reducing the numbers of caesarean sections in our system, but that must always be balanced by what is the best outcome for mother and baby.

MRS LITTLEWOOD: Mr Speaker, my question is to Mrs Carnell in her capacity as Minister for Health and Community Care. It relates to the quality of care at the Upper Jindalee Nursing Home at Narrabundah, which was sold to the private sector in March last year. Can the Minister advise the Assembly whether there has been any improvement in the quality of life for residents at the nursing home since that time?

MRS CARNELL: Thank you very much. Is it not good to have questions that are sensible and logical and about the outcomes that people can expect in the system, Mr Speaker?

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