Page 3183 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 22 August 2012
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We know that we have a growing ageing and ailing population and we are designing our health system accordingly through targeted investments to meet current and future demand for health services. These investments we are making now will enable the ACT to deliver the health services needed to meet future demand and to provide the right care in the right place to the right people at the right time.
The health infrastructure program is a comprehensive response to the pressures we face. It is a vision for the future of our health system and it is underpinned by projections of future health service demand and service planning for new deliveries of new models of care. The HIP is not just about new buildings; it embraces the development of new patient-centred models of care and service delivery, advances in technology and workforce planning. This program is already delivering results for the community.
I am excited to say that yesterday the new Centenary Hospital for Women and Children accepted its first patients. Patients and services were transferred from the existing maternity building and from building 1 of the Canberra Hospital. It was a momentous occasion for the staff at the hospital, the Health Directorate and, indeed, for all the women and children that will be using that facility.
The new hospital brings together services such as the neonatal intensive care unit, gynaecology and foetal medicine, the birth centre and maternity services as well as specialised outpatient services all under the one roof. It will offer more beds, more outpatient consult rooms, clinical office space, education and training facilities and family accommodation.
Indeed, at the community open day I think we welcomed over 1,000 Canberrans to come and have a look at the new services and the new environment at the women’s and children’s. Ms Hunter joined us there, as did all of the government members. It was surprising that not one member of the opposition bothered to show up—not even the shadow health spokesperson could give us five minutes of his time to have a look around a fantastic new facility—although I did notice that one of the Liberal candidates did park their car right outside the front of the hospital. I am not sure—
Opposition members interjecting—
MS GALLAGHER: It was like a gatecrasher at a party. When you do not turn up to the party you just get your big poster out there—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order, members! Chief Minister, the question, thank you.
MS GALLAGHER: Although this time that car was not parked illegally. So that was an improvement on the other times I have seen that car illegally parked around the city.
MR SPEAKER: Chief Minister, the question, thank you.
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