Page 2855 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 17 September 2014
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It is also worth repeating that there are two, not one, post-occupancy evaluations underway, for both the adult mental health unit and the mental health assessment unit. Again, while acknowledging that there has been some delay in undertaking these evaluations, I understand that they are being actioned as we speak, and I look forward to hearing more about the outcomes. This will form the foundations for the more permanent response to the problems that Mrs Jones, and in fact I am sure the Chief Minister, wants to see.
The amendment that is before us allows for more information and an update to be provided to the Assembly before the end of the year. I think that is an important part of the amendment. It provides not only information on the steps that are already being taken but also a clear undertaking to come back to the Assembly with an update on the implementation.
Perhaps the thing of most importance is that we have transparency in this place that progress is being made. That is the thing by which we can truly measure whether staff safety is being improved. I refer to the steps that have been laid out by the Chief Minister in her amendment, in the noting section about work that has already been done. The report back to the Assembly provides us with the opportunity to ensure that we are able to keep a watching brief on this issue, and we as an Assembly can monitor whether progress is made in ensuring that staff safety is being enhanced in the adult mental health unit.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (5.04): At the outset I would like to thank Mrs Jones for bringing this issue before the Assembly today. It is a very important issue and I know it is one that she is very passionate about—both mental health and the health workforce, and in this case in particular mental health nurses. We on this side certainly recognise the importance of mental health in our community. That is why we have created a separate shadow ministry and that is why Mrs Jones was given that shadow ministry, so that we can make sure that its importance is elevated in our community.
It gives me great pleasure to speak today on this motion because, although it is going to be watered down by the minister, the reality is that as a result of this motion today it would appear that things will happen and, as a consequence, those very dedicated, very hardworking staff in the adult mental health unit will hopefully find themselves in a better and safer working environment. Ultimately, when we cut through, that is what we are doing here today.
I rise today as well in my role as the shadow minister for health, because obviously the whole health system is integrated, while acknowledging that we have a dedicated shadow minister for mental health. But I am aware that because of the issues that have been raised by Mrs Jones, by others and in the media, a number of nurses and other staff—wardsmen—have come forward and who work elsewhere within the hospital. I think it is worth reflecting on the fact that with the issues that we find in the mental health unit, we want to make sure that as we address those we are also paying attention to other very hardworking staff, be it in EDs, which we know are under great strain, or across the rest of the hospital.
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