Mrs BRAHAM - 2006-11-28
In November last year, the Alice Springs Hospital Chapel was converted into a transit lounge for patients being discharged and waiting for medication. This was done with the goodwill of the minister’s fellowship. It was stated, at the time, that it would be for a three-month trial. Unfortunately, 12 months later, the temporary chapel is still in a corridor leading to the Chaplain’s office. I have written to you about this. I have had representation from staff, patients and visitors to the Alice Springs Hospital. They need their chapel back; they need a place they can go and have a quiet moment in times of stress. You visited the Alice Springs Hospital recently. Will you put the chapel back where it was originally positioned?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. First, let me say that I am a great supporter of chaplaincy services within our hospitals. When I first took the portfolio, it was my pleasure to be present for a graduation of some chaplains. They do a fantastic job within our hospitals comforting people who are in sorrow.
Quite soon after I received the portfolio, I also heard about this issue related to Alice Springs Hospital - not from you, member for Braitling, at that stage although, as you say, you have raised it with me. I undertook to visit, and visit I did. I spoke with Barry Fernley, the Chaplain. The member for Braitling is correct; there was an understanding it would be a temporary change.
It has gone on too long, member for Braitling, so I asked the CEO directly to fix this problem and fix it quickly. I have been assured that it will be and that, basically, what will be required for the chaplain to move back into, substantially, the chapel, will occur before Christmas. I am pleased to report to the House on that.
I would have to say that yes, it did go on for too long. However, Alice Springs Hospital has been dealing with what can only be called a chaotic situation, following the so-called redevelopment of the hospital that was bungled under the CLP government. It has caused so much trouble and strife within that hospital. If the fingers pointed towards any group that has upset the chaplains, upset the whole hospital, it has to be the CLP, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to report to this House that this problem is being fixed and it will be fixed.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. First, let me say that I am a great supporter of chaplaincy services within our hospitals. When I first took the portfolio, it was my pleasure to be present for a graduation of some chaplains. They do a fantastic job within our hospitals comforting people who are in sorrow.
Quite soon after I received the portfolio, I also heard about this issue related to Alice Springs Hospital - not from you, member for Braitling, at that stage although, as you say, you have raised it with me. I undertook to visit, and visit I did. I spoke with Barry Fernley, the Chaplain. The member for Braitling is correct; there was an understanding it would be a temporary change.
It has gone on too long, member for Braitling, so I asked the CEO directly to fix this problem and fix it quickly. I have been assured that it will be and that, basically, what will be required for the chaplain to move back into, substantially, the chapel, will occur before Christmas. I am pleased to report to the House on that.
I would have to say that yes, it did go on for too long. However, Alice Springs Hospital has been dealing with what can only be called a chaotic situation, following the so-called redevelopment of the hospital that was bungled under the CLP government. It has caused so much trouble and strife within that hospital. If the fingers pointed towards any group that has upset the chaplains, upset the whole hospital, it has to be the CLP, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to report to this House that this problem is being fixed and it will be fixed.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016