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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 14 Hansard (9 December) . . Page.. 5016 ..

MR CORBELL (continuing):

Hospital has made several important changes to promote accountability and deliver improved patient safety. The hospital has established a peak clinical governance committee chaired by the general manager. This committee is responsible for subcommittees that monitor clinical quality and clinical risk to promote patient safety at the Canberra Hospital. The clinical privileges subcommittee is responsible for ensuring all medical staff of the hospital are suitably trained and competent to fulfil their responsibilities at all times.

The clinical review committee undertakes clinical audits to ascertain patterns of care and investigate serious adverse events. This committee advises the clinical governance committee on issues identified and recommends action. Individual health professionals are encouraged to report any concerns to this review committee. The clinical health improvement program supports clinicians to implement evidence-based best practice and evaluates the effectiveness of the implementation. ACT Health is also in the process of establishing its clinical governance model to ensure accountability and quality across the territory. ACT Health has supported a territory-wide approach to quality and safety and is in the process of developing the second ACT health and quality safety plan built on the achievements of quality first.

Mr Speaker, in tabling this report, and announcing the review, I acknowledge that there may be some difficulties or personal concerns for patients of the neurosurgery unit. The government and ACT Health want to support people during this time and have initiated a phone line for former neurosurgical patients to call should they have any questions regarding the government's investigations or the Community and Health Services Complaints Commissioner's report.

I also publicly place on the record my thanks to the doctors and others who have provided information to the Community and Health Services Complaints Commissioner. They are protected by the Community and Health Services Complaints Act 1993. We need to acknowledge the difficulties this kind of action creates for the individuals concerned. It is essential to the safety of the health system that these individuals and actions are supported.

Members should note that the original report provided by Mr Patterson contains some 91 attachments. These are not included in the material being tabled today and are in the process of being de-identified by Mr Patterson. Should members require this information, I ask them to contact my office and I will arrange for it to be supplied.

I have also included in the report submissions made to the commissioner by neurosurgeons in response to adverse comments made to a person or body identifiable from the report. Section 79 of the Community and Health Services Complaints Act 1993 states that where a person or body so requests, the commissioner shall include in the report the statement given under paragraph (1) (b) or a fair summary of it. I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Debate (on motion by Mr Smyth ) adjourned to the next sitting.

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