Page 1149 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 May 2020
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environment, that also incorporates spaces for private conversations and learning, as well as a sensory space. Students are also able to be supported by PCYC pick up and drop off where required.
Canberra Health Services—patient transport
(Question No 2920)
Mrs Dunne asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 21 February 2020:
(1) What arrangements were made for timely patient transport to Canberra hospitals in (a) emergency situations and (b) non-emergency, routine but necessary treatment situations, when roads were closed for extended periods during the recent South East Australia bushfires.
(2) What other assistance was Canberra Health Services able to provide NSW Health in servicing the needs of people in the Canberra region, unable to leave their area.
(3) Has Canberra Health Services reviewed its role in managing health and medical treatment services for people in the Canberra Region during the recent bushfire crisis; if so, what has been learned from that review and what plans have been or are being made to allow Canberra Health Services to be proactive in dealing with such situations; if not, when will a review be undertaken and action plans made.
(4) What discussions has Canberra Health Services or ACT Health had with the Southern Area Health Service about planning future infrastructure and service needs.
Ms Stephen-Smith: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The road closures during the recent bushfires did not have any significant impact on the ability of the ACT Ambulance Service to transport patients in emergency and non-emergency situations.
There were few days where Patient Transport from Canberra Health Services (CHS) was impacted due to road closures. Calvary Public Hospital Bruce was not required to introduce any special arrangements during this period.
(2) CHS deployed three Senior Staff Specialists, one Registrar and two nurses to the NSW South Coast region to assist in the provision of clinical treatment, advice and support in the January 2020 bushfire disaster. CHS supported applications from Reservists for leave to assist during the bushfires, and clinical staff provided telephone clinical support where needed.
(3) CHS was proactive in working with Southern NSW Local Health District during the recent bushfire crisis in line with its ongoing role as part of a regional health system (see response to question 4). Therefore, CHS has not reviewed its role in managing health and medical treatment services for people in the Canberra region during a bushfire crisis and there are no plans to do so at this point in time.
(4) CHS is a member of the ACT and Southern NSW Joint Operations group, which meets regularly to discuss demand and other key issues. The ACT Health Directorate Health Service Planning Team has regular and ongoing engagement with health service planning counterparts in the Southern New South Wales Local Health District
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