Mrs BRAHAM - 1997-05-01
I note in the budget that the government intends to set up a health complaints commission. When will this happen, whom will it cover and what is it all about?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, anyone who has a complaint about Territory Health Services has already a number of avenues through which to pursue it. There is the Ombudsman, an excellent patient's advocate at Royal Darwin Hospital, the department itself and, as any former minister will testify, the minister's office. To give an idea of the level of complaints, Royal Darwin Hospital admits around 13 000 patients each year and has contact with a further 70 000. The level of complaints is around 0.5%. Most of those complaints are resolved satisfactorily. However, there is a perception that an independent body is needed. Indeed, the CLP promised such a move in its policy at the last election.
It has been decided to establish an independent health complaints commission which will cover all aspects of health - the department, hospitals, community organisations and private health providers. The commission will have the power to inquire into, conciliate, make recommendations on and resolve health complaints. Money has been made available in the budget. In addition, money is being transferred from Territory Health Services to set up the office. A discussion paper on a model for appropriate legislation is being distributed to stakeholders. I anticipate that the legislation will be developed over the coming year, with the office in place by 1 January 1998. Initially, the Ombudsman will act as the health complaints commissioner and his activities will be reviewed after 12 months.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, anyone who has a complaint about Territory Health Services has already a number of avenues through which to pursue it. There is the Ombudsman, an excellent patient's advocate at Royal Darwin Hospital, the department itself and, as any former minister will testify, the minister's office. To give an idea of the level of complaints, Royal Darwin Hospital admits around 13 000 patients each year and has contact with a further 70 000. The level of complaints is around 0.5%. Most of those complaints are resolved satisfactorily. However, there is a perception that an independent body is needed. Indeed, the CLP promised such a move in its policy at the last election.
It has been decided to establish an independent health complaints commission which will cover all aspects of health - the department, hospitals, community organisations and private health providers. The commission will have the power to inquire into, conciliate, make recommendations on and resolve health complaints. Money has been made available in the budget. In addition, money is being transferred from Territory Health Services to set up the office. A discussion paper on a model for appropriate legislation is being distributed to stakeholders. I anticipate that the legislation will be developed over the coming year, with the office in place by 1 January 1998. Initially, the Ombudsman will act as the health complaints commissioner and his activities will be reviewed after 12 months.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016