Hansard - ACT Legislative Assembly

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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 3 Hansard (23 October) . . Page.. 4138 ..

Normal experience would suggest that officers engaged in full time positions in other departments are not generally available to provide services to another department on a full time basis.

The decision to engage the Communications Manager on a temporary basis was made having regard to the urgent need for communications/media liaison services, and the availability of the temporary appointee. The position was subsequently advertised and is in the process of being filled.

The Department's Executive Director, Corporate.

See response to Question 4.

Nil.

On the basis of the person's background and experience.

See response to Question 9.

Canberra Hospital-syringe distribution

(Question No 992)

Mr Smyth

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice:

In relation to syringe distribution at Canberra Hospitals:

How many needles were used at Canberra Hospitals in Canberra in (a) 2000-01,

How many of these needles were (a) 1ml, (b) 5ml and (c) other;

Mr Corbell: The answer to the member's question is:

In relation to syringe distribution at Canberra Hospitals:

In the ACT there is currently no provision of needle and syringe program services at either the Canberra Hospital or Calvary Public Hospital.

After-hours needle and syringe program services did operate for a short period in late 2001 and early 2002 at Calvary Hospital, through the Accident and Emergency Department. This service was discontinued on 18 January 2002 due to a number of incidents between clients and staff. While information is not available as to how many needles and syringes were distributed through Calvary over this period, a subsequent review of after-hours usage by this

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