Mr McADAM - 2001-10-24
During the election campaign, the Labor opposition made a commitment to establish a renal unit at Tennant Creek to meet the needs of the Barkly residents. Can the minister tell the House what steps are being taken to meet this election commitment?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. It is certainly well known that Aboriginal Territorians suffer considerably more than non-indigenous people in the area of renal disease. Currently, there are 13 patients from Tennant Creek in Alice Springs Hospital who are receiving dialysis services. There are another eight patients from the Barkly region who could receive haemodialysis treatment in Tennant Creek, rather than having to travel to Alice Springs.
Members on this side of the House would be aware that the establishment of renal dialysis facilities is an issue that has been pursued very energetically by both the member for Stuart and the member for Barkly. Our commitment is to establish a renal dialysis service in the year 2002-03, and we have already started the work on this project. There is currently a Territory Health Services project officer …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! The minister has a quiet voice. Please, quiet while she is answering the question.
Mrs AAGAARD: There is currently a Territory Health Services project officer visiting Tennant Creek to consult with key stakeholders, and to develop an implementation plan for the establishment of the haemodialysis service. This means that the plans will be in place when funding becomes available next year. This government is serious about Aboriginal health, and is serious about providing accessible health services.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. It is certainly well known that Aboriginal Territorians suffer considerably more than non-indigenous people in the area of renal disease. Currently, there are 13 patients from Tennant Creek in Alice Springs Hospital who are receiving dialysis services. There are another eight patients from the Barkly region who could receive haemodialysis treatment in Tennant Creek, rather than having to travel to Alice Springs.
Members on this side of the House would be aware that the establishment of renal dialysis facilities is an issue that has been pursued very energetically by both the member for Stuart and the member for Barkly. Our commitment is to establish a renal dialysis service in the year 2002-03, and we have already started the work on this project. There is currently a Territory Health Services project officer …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! The minister has a quiet voice. Please, quiet while she is answering the question.
Mrs AAGAARD: There is currently a Territory Health Services project officer visiting Tennant Creek to consult with key stakeholders, and to develop an implementation plan for the establishment of the haemodialysis service. This means that the plans will be in place when funding becomes available next year. This government is serious about Aboriginal health, and is serious about providing accessible health services.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016