Page 1805 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 2 May 2012
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somebody is deliberately going around those in order to deliver a different outcome in relation to data, I doubt that you are able to create the perfect system to avoid that occurring again.
I have had numerous discussions with the Health Directorate around their data collection, their processes, and, indeed, the message from me to them around the importance of ensuring that data that is reported is correct and that they have suitable processes in place. I have been assured by the Health Directorate that that is the case. In this instance that has arisen in the last week or so, we have a situation where an individual has gone around the safeguards that have been put in place. This is an isolated occurrence. I am not aware of others.
When audit go in and have a look, I am sure that they will have recommendations. That is what audits do. I am not aware of an audit that has not come out with recommendations about how to tighten up your processes. That is why you have them. I am sure that will come.
But when you have someone who is deliberately going around those safeguard processes, I think it does get very difficult to have a 100 per cent system that is going to avoid deliberate manipulation.
MR HANSON: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, has your failure to use the opportunity arising from January 2011 to review all processes contributed to the emergency department data problems?
MS GALLAGHER: At that time the Health Directorate did look at their data systems more broadly, particularly in relation to the audit that identified documentation. Essentially the elective surgery audit was around paperwork and data systems recording information in the surgical bookings area. Where that paperwork and processes could be applied to other areas in Health, that was looked at.
In terms of the steps from here, I think the issue with the emergency department presents us with the opportunity, and indeed the Health Directorate will see that this work is done—even if the Auditor-General does not decide to inquire into it, and I have not heard whether or not that is the case—to have a look more broadly at data integrity across the health system. If anything needs to change from that, the government will implement those changes.
MR HANSON: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, why are there not sufficient processes operating in your directorate to identify serious problems like manipulating elective surgery waiting lists and emergency department waiting times?
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