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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 4 Hansard (3 April) . . Page.. 1355 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

SARS should it occur. I am advised that the Canberra hospitals have the capacity to isolate a total of 12 patients in negative pressure rooms which provide isolation from airconditioning systems. In addition, Calvary Hospital has a negative pressure room in the A and E department.

All patients presenting to hospital are asked about overseas travel and isolated if SARS is a possibility. Patients under investigation are barrier nursed, with goggles, gloves, gowns and masks being worn by all staff and visitors who have contact with them. All precautions remain in place until the possibility of a SARS diagnosis is excluded.

Mrs Cross also asked whether ACT representatives attended the communicable diseases conference in Canberra this week. The answer is that Charles Guest, the deputy chief health officer, attended, as did Rona Hiam, the ACT public health registrar, and a number of staff from the communicable disease control unit in health protection services.

She also asked whether the ACT is to be involved in the New South Wales influenza plan. The answer, I am advised, is that the ACT is working closely with New South Wales on influenza planning. In particular, representatives from ACT Health have been involved in the national influenza pandemic planning committee developing a plan to deal with any influenza pandemic should it occur.

Answers to questions on notice

Question No 402

MR CORNWELL: Under standing order 118A, I ask for a response from the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services to question No 402 minister, seeking information on child deaths reported to Family Services and other matters relating to that. The 30 days are up and the question has not been answered.

MR WOOD: You won't get an answer from me, either, but I go on to say that you will get one from the Minister for Education, Youth and Family Services.

Mr Cornwell: It was addressed to you, Minister.

MR WOOD: It would have been passed on in a routine way.

Question No 379

MRS BURKE: Under standing order 118A, I point out that I have not received an answer to question No 379, directed to the minister for health. Perhaps somebody could alert him to that; it was due by 21 March.

MR STANHOPE I will draw that to the minister's attention, Mr Speaker.

Question No 395

MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, also under standing order 118A: on Tuesday I asked Mr Stanhope whether an answer was forthcoming to question No 395 and he said that apparently it had been signed off. I am still to receive that answer.

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