Mr McADAM - 2002-05-14
Minister, during the last sittings you told the House about the difficulties being experienced at Alice Springs Hospital. Are you able to provide the House with an update on the situation?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am up again. I am very pleased to say there has been a big improvement in the Alice Springs Hospital. Since we last met at the sittings, I have been to Alice Springs three times and have met with staff at the hospital on each occasion, usually more than once. I have met with staff at all levels in the hospital, made many tours of the hospital as well, and I have had two meetings with the hospital board.
I am also happy to report that the hospital is faring a lot better; morale is certainly higher. There were significant issues with morale last year, but I really feel that this is being addressed by the staff - in particular by Ron Parker, who is the consultant looking after this, and who is doing an excellent job.
One of the key things which has happened in Alice Springs is that there’s been a big turnaround in the number of nurses. I am happy to say that there are two over establishment in the nurses figures in Alice Springs, which has meant that elective surgery is now on track. There are still issues in relation to the mix of nurses and there are some skills shortages in the area of surgery nurses and a few other types of specialist nurses, but we are still addressing that issue.
Some members opposite will be particularly pleased to know that I have received a business analysis for the private wing of the hospital, which is being considered at the moment, and will be presented to Cabinet in the near future.
Finally, I would like to say that the $30m development is now complete and staff are finding the new facilities excellent. I think it is a wonderful thing for both staff and patients and will also help with the …
Mr Burke: What about the private wing?
Mrs AAGAARD: Madam Speaker, I already made a comment on the private wing. I am sorry that the members opposite seem to have a hearing problem today. When we have something to say further on that, I will report to the House. Essentially, the Alice Springs Hospital is looking up, and I think that is a very wonderful thing for the Northern Territory.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am up again. I am very pleased to say there has been a big improvement in the Alice Springs Hospital. Since we last met at the sittings, I have been to Alice Springs three times and have met with staff at the hospital on each occasion, usually more than once. I have met with staff at all levels in the hospital, made many tours of the hospital as well, and I have had two meetings with the hospital board.
I am also happy to report that the hospital is faring a lot better; morale is certainly higher. There were significant issues with morale last year, but I really feel that this is being addressed by the staff - in particular by Ron Parker, who is the consultant looking after this, and who is doing an excellent job.
One of the key things which has happened in Alice Springs is that there’s been a big turnaround in the number of nurses. I am happy to say that there are two over establishment in the nurses figures in Alice Springs, which has meant that elective surgery is now on track. There are still issues in relation to the mix of nurses and there are some skills shortages in the area of surgery nurses and a few other types of specialist nurses, but we are still addressing that issue.
Some members opposite will be particularly pleased to know that I have received a business analysis for the private wing of the hospital, which is being considered at the moment, and will be presented to Cabinet in the near future.
Finally, I would like to say that the $30m development is now complete and staff are finding the new facilities excellent. I think it is a wonderful thing for both staff and patients and will also help with the …
Mr Burke: What about the private wing?
Mrs AAGAARD: Madam Speaker, I already made a comment on the private wing. I am sorry that the members opposite seem to have a hearing problem today. When we have something to say further on that, I will report to the House. Essentially, the Alice Springs Hospital is looking up, and I think that is a very wonderful thing for the Northern Territory.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016