Page 3540 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 18 September 2019
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MRS DUNNE: Minister, what was so different about the last quarter that brought about a result which you are so proud to talk about, even though there are still well over 600 people waiting longer than recommended for surgery?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mrs Dunne for the supplementary because I am very pleased to talk about the work that Canberra Health Services and the Health Directorate have been doing, including continuing to work with hospitals and the surrounding New South Wales local health districts to develop and implement improved strategies to ensure that the people on the waiting list are getting the treatment that they need as close to home as possible. This includes active management of the waitlist with the territory service providers and working with clinicians to renew the focus on treating patients in turn whenever clinically possible.
Of course, we do have significant investments in infrastructure to continue to address meeting our increased target for elective surgeries in 2019-20. We have an increased target of 14,250 elective surgeries to be completed in 2019-20. Services will be expanded, including two new theatres at Calvary Public Hospital, Bruce as well as staff to support those theatres—one in 2019-20 and another in 2020-21—as well as expanded urology services and staffing to meet the growing demand for urology surgery in the ACT. So there are multiple strategies in place. If Mrs Dunne would like a further briefing on all of those strategies, of course she is more than welcome to have one.
Emergency services—preparedness
MR GUPTA: My question is to the Minister for Environment and Heritage. How is the government using emerging technology to help in preparing for natural disasters and emergencies?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Gupta for his question and his interest in the safety of all Canberrans. I am proud of the staff we have across the Emergency Services Agency and the parks and conservation service. As we approach this year’s bushfire season my message to them is that the government is supporting you and the volunteers that help during bushfire emergencies and other natural disasters. We have the best experts within these agencies, and I will stand up for them. They are innovative and world leaders when it comes to helping prepare for and respond to emergencies.
At the recent Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council conference in Melbourne two staff from parks and conservation were recognised with prestigious awards. Brian Levine was awarded the excellence in prescribed burning award for his implementation of an integrated intelligence system to improve prescribed burnings. Brian’s work delivers exceptional fire management strategies. His knowledge and expertise are sought around the world and we are incredibly fortunate to have him working in our public service in the ACT.
Adam Leavesley was awarded for outstanding achievement in research utilisation. In consultation with ANU researchers he has led the development of sophisticated fuel mapping using satellite-based technology to manage and implement controlled burns
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