Page 1427 - Week 04 - Thursday, 26 March 2009
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Design work on the new mental health facilities has also commenced. Architects have been engaged for the adult in-patient and secure units and design work will start soon based on new models of care that have been developed by consumers, carers and staff. Some of the early design works have highlighted the need to locate the 15-bed secure unit on a separate site to allow adequate space for clients. A community consultation process on site options will commence in April. Three sites have been identified: two adjacent to the Bimberi Youth Centre in Gungahlin and the former Quamby site in Symonston.
We are also well advanced in planning to introduce digital mammography and work has begun on scoping the requirements for this advanced technology. Staff and patients at Calvary Hospital have also been working with architects to design new intensive care HDU and CCU units. It is scheduled to commence construction in the middle of this year to be complete by August 2010. A total of 24 additional beds will be delivered to Canberra Hospital by June 2009, and this is an important part of our strategy to reduce access block, bed occupancy rates and to respond to rising demand.
I will continue to update the Assembly at regular intervals on progress with the CADP as it occurs.
Mr Stanhope: I ask that further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Supplementary answers to questions without notice
Education—special needs
Planning—Deakin swimming pool
MR BARR: In question time, Ms Hunter asked me a question in relation to the membership of the special education reference group. I can advise that the special education reference group consists of Ms Alex Turner, representing the Canberra Deaf Children’s Association, Ms Jenny Bottrell from the ACT Down Syndrome Association, Ms Gay von Ess from Autism Asperger ACT Inc, Mr Matt Worthy from National Disability Services, Ms Julia Bocking from Advocacy for Inclusion, Dr Chris Kilham from the Australian Association of Special Education, Ms Estelle Sydney-Smith from the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations, Ms Cathy Smith from the Australian Education Union, Mr Russel Hertel from Special Needs Counsellors, Ms Roslyn Hayes, the Manager of Therapy ACT, Ms Lyndall Read, the Manager of Indigenous Education and Early Years Learning, Ms Karin Wetselaar from the Special Schools Principals Association, Ms Lyn Woodbury from the Primary Principals Association, Ms Sue Northmore from the Secondary Principals Council, Mr Ian Copland, the Manager of the Special Education Section of the Department of Education and Training, and, finally, Dr Mark Collis, the Director of Student Services in the Department of Education and Training.
Also, during question time I referred to a letter I had written to Mr Angelo Turco, the owner of the Deakin swimming pool. I table that letter, together with a suggested letter of support from the shadow minister for sport and recreation for my letter to Mr Turco:
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