Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

Local builders appointed for South-West radiotherapy centre

Victor P Taffa

The Western Australia State Government has appointed Perkins (WA) Pty Ltd to build the new radiotherapy centre – the first of its kind for regional Western Australia – at the South West Health Campus in Bunbury.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the appointment marked a significant milestone in the $15.2 Million development which was on target for completion by mid-2011.

“This new centre, which was a Liberal-National Government election commitment, will provide state-of-the-art facilities and services for the majority of cancer patients requiring radiation oncology treatment in the South-West.” Dr Hames said.

“Importantly, this will reduce the need for these patients to travel to Perth and enable them to remain closer to their homes and the support of family and friends.”

“Patients suffering from the most common cancers in the South-West region, including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, prostate and those undergoing palliative treatments for symptom control, will be able to be treated locally.”

“It is anticipated that in the first five years of operation, the centre will treat 350 to 400 patients a year, increasing to about 670 patients a year by 2021, in line with expected population growth.”

“Two radiation oncology bunkers will be built at the centre to meet this future growth in demand.”

“The new centre will also include clinic and consultation facilities; treatment rooms; dedicated patient reception and waiting rooms; and staff and support services areas.”

The project is jointly funded with the State Government providing $9.2 Million and the Federal Government contributing the balance.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said the appointment of the locally based builder was a huge step forward towards delivery of the project, which would bring important benefits to local patients.

“It is so important that we support those in our community who are seriously ill and most in need of our care.” Mr. Castrilli said.

“Having a local centre will greatly ease the stress and financial burden on South-West patients and means they will be able to receive treatment in familiar surroundings.”

“It was also pleasing to see that the tender had been awarded to locally-based builders, creating local job opportunities and ensuring the economic benefits flow on to the South-West region.” 

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli

Tasmania Shadow Minister for Health and Human Services Brett Whiteley

TASMANIAN JOBS TO GO, HOSPITALS TO CLOSE UNDER THE RUDD/BARTLETT HEALTH PROPOSAL

Victor P Taffa

Hundreds of Tasmanian jobs will be lost and rural and regional hospitals will close under the Rudd/Bartlett health proposal, Shadow Minister for Health Brett Whiteley said today.

While we have not had the courtesy of being provided with a briefing on the proposal by the Prime Minister, the following facts seem clear:

1. By transferring health administration from Tasmania, it appears that not a single extra cent will be provided to the Tasmanian health system;

2. By transferring health administration from Tasmania to Canberra, hundreds of hard-working Tasmanian public service employees will lose their jobs – or will have to move to Canberra;

3. Rural and regional hospitals across Tasmania could be made financially unviable as a result of shifting funding to a per-procedure basis, instead of the current block funding.

4. This means that hospitals such as Beaconsfield, Rosebery, Campbell Town, and Scottsdale could all close under the Rudd/Bartlett health proposal.

“Mr Bartlett needs to explain why he has so willingly supported Kevin Rudd’s health proposal, which will cost Tasmanian jobs and result in Tasmania hospitals closing.”

Why is David Bartlett, unlike Victorian Labor Premier John Brumby, once again unwilling to stand up to Canberra and put the interests of Tasmanians first?” Mr. Whiteley asked.

“In contrast, a majority Hodgman Liberal Government will always put Tasmania’s interests first. On health, we have a plan which will deliver the real change we need by cutting waiting lists and delivering more services, closer to home.” Mr. Whiteley said.

The question for Prime Minister Rudd is whether or not the health financial reforms are a smokescreen in order to abolition State Government’s?

Under the provisions of the relevant Electoral Act responsibility for all election comment is assumed by Editor Victor P Taffa. The Registered office of The Southern Thunderer is at 4/69a Darvall Road, West Ryde NSW 2114.

Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

Lotterywest grant to brighten hospital stays for children

Victor P Taffa

Children staying in hospital will have the latest entertainment technology at their fingertips thanks to a Lotterywest grant to upgrade 35 mobile Starlight Fun Centres across Western Australia.

Health Minister Kim Hames today presented a Lotterywest cheque for $160,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation to fund the project.

“Each portable entertainment unit will have a fresh new look, including a DVD player, games console and the latest movies and games.” Dr Hames said.

“The machines can be wheeled to a patient’s bedside. They help ease boredom and provide a much needed distraction for hospitalised children and adolescents.”

“The State Government, through Lotterywest, is helping make a child’s hospital stay a little brighter.”

Patients admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital, as well as children in other city and regional hospitals, will have access to the improved machines.

“Many children and young people will live with their condition all their lives and I would like to thank The Starlight Children’s Foundation for helping provide a healing environment that includes entertainment, diversion, fun, laughter and joy.” the Minister said.

For further information on the Starlight Children’s Foundation visit http://www.starlight.org.au/ or phone 1300 727 827.

South Australia Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond

Liberals announce $35 Million Barossa Hospital plan

Victor P Taffa

South Australia Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond today announced the State Liberals’ plan to build a $35 Million hospital to service the Barossa Valley and surrounding districts.

“The two existing hospitals in the Barossa region the Angaston and Tanunda Hospitals are outdated and the facilities are no longer up to standard.” Ms. Redmond said today.

“In fact, the Angaston Hospital was built in 1910 and hasn’t received much attention since then.”

“The State Liberals identified this issue almost a decade ago, and it was taken to the State Election in 2002.

“The condition of the two existing hospitals has forced the region’s residents to metropolitan hospitals, which has put extra pressure on the already overloaded facilities.” Ms. Redmond said.

“The Rann Government opted to sit on their hands, until they finally submitted to pressure by the community and State Liberals in November 2008, and conducted a business case on the issue.”

“The proposed site, on Magnolia Road, Tanunda, adjoins the existing Barossa Recreation Centre and is the Barossa Council’s preferred site.”

“Under a Redmond Liberal Government, the proposed Barossa Hospital and Recreation Centre would form a Barossa Region Health precinct.

“The State Liberals will commit to building the Barossa Hospital at a cost of $35 Million.”

The State Liberals will provide the following:

• A 55 bed hospital with emergency department, three operating theatres, and maternity;

• The hospital will be built on land provided by the local council and will replace both Angaston and Tanunda Hospitals;

• The Angaston Hospital would be demolished and the Tanunda Hospital would be transformed into an aged-care facility;

The Barossa and Districts Health Advisory Council, which reports directly to Health Minister John Hill, were scathing of the current facilities in the 2008-09 Annual Report. It stated:

“The current facilities [in the Barossa Valley] lack the flexibility to meet current and future service demands.”

“The current hospitals in Angaston and Tanunda are not up to today’s health facility standards – and this is supported by the Mr Rann’s own Advisory Council.” Dr McFetridge said.

“The Rann Government has neglected SA’s regions for too long now. Only a Redmond Liberal Government will make sure this important project goes ahead.” Ms. Redmond said.

Furthermore, the Barossa and Districts Health Advisory Council listed the following service delivery and facility condition issues:

• There is no capacity to maintain, at a minimum, existing levels of care for the growing local community and broader district;

• Operating across three sites impedes the ability to deliver patient-centred models of care;

• There is no capacity to expand elective surgery, acute care, primary health care and community based services to meet future needs;

• The existing facilities are in average to poor condition and do not meet current health care quality, safety and security standards, which impacts on the operational efficiency of the Health Service;

• Access and egress across the three service sites is problematic;

• There is poor service connectivity across the three sites, resulting in duplication of facilities and support services;

• Organisational dislocation and staffing inefficiencies exist across the three sites;

• ICT connectivity across the three sites is poor;

• Significant sustainment expenditure is required for asset refurbishment, with an expected extension of life of less than fifteen years.

Under the provisions of the relevant Electoral Act responsibility for all election comment is assumed by Editor Victor P Taffa. The Registered office of The Southern Thunderer is at 4/69a Darvall Road, West Ryde NSW 2114.

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird

MUMS DEPRIVED OF OXYGEN AT MANLY HOSPITAL: DOCTORS AND NURSES NEED SUPPORT

Victor P Taffa

Local mums about to give birth were turned away from Manly Hospital on the weekend, after the medical air system that supplies oxygen for caesarean births broke down, Manly MP Mike Baird said.

“I received a call from an anxious mum on Monday morning who couldn’t believe it when the machine that supplied oxygen for her daughter’s caesarean delivery failed and couldn’t be replaced.” Mr. Baird said.

“It is beyond words that several expectant mums had to be transferred to Royal North Shore at the last minute, because Manly Hospital couldn’t supply oxygen for their deliveries.”

“There’s no doubt that patients, doctors and nurses are suffering as the State Labor Government runs Manly Hospital into the ground.”

“How can a hospital operate when basic supplies like oxygen are not available to patients?” Mr. Baird asked.

“Time and again I hear how incredible the nurses and doctors are at Manly Hospital and how challenging it is to care for patients due to constant cost cutting.”

“Manly Hospital has operated under a cloud for too long, as the NSW Government fails to deliver on its promise to build a new Northern Beaches Hospital.”

“Back in 2006 the doctors and nurses at Manly and Mona Vale Hospitals wrote to the then Health Minister saying they were excited about the new hospital and the high standard of care it would offer patients.”

“Four years later not a sod has been turned and meanwhile Manly and Mona Vale Hospitals are being starved of resources.”

“We have made a commitment that the new Northern Beaches Hospital will be built, should we be elected next year.” Mr. Baird said.

“Local mums-to-be deserve the peace of mind of knowing that if they are booked into Manly Hospital, that is where they’ll deliver their baby.”

Given the announcement by the Rudd Government over hospital funding cutbacks a new Northern Beaches Hospital can’t come soon enough.

Northern Territory Shadow Minister for Health Matt Conlan

INDEPENDENT INQUIRY NEEDED

Victor P Taffa

The Northern Territory Minister for Health Kon Vatskalis must launch a full and independent inquiry into the recruitment of medical professionals in the Northern Territory.

“Public confidence in the qualifications of the professionals who staff the health system is of paramount importance.” Northern Territory Shadow Minister for Health Matt Conlan said.

“The charging of an individual with offences relating to the alleged use of a fake medical degree has undermined that confidence.”

“The inquiry needs to get to the bottom of how this particular individual managed to secure employment as a doctor at Alice Springs Hospital.”

“The Territory Government’s procedures for employing health professionals need to be put under the spotlight.” Mr. Conlan said.

“The Minister must move promptly on this matter. The buck-passing that has occurred since the allegations came to light has deepened public concerns about the integrity of the Territory’s health system.”

“The inquiry’s finding should be tabled in Parliament at the next sittings. The Minister must also ensure the qualifications of all other health professionals in the Northern Territory are re-checked.”

“Whilst the probability of another unqualified practitioner operating in the Territory is low, it simply can’t be ruled out.”

“Further the Minister needs to ensure that all patients who were treated by the charged individual are contacted by Alice Springs Hospital.” Mr. Conlan said.

“The Hospital must investigate whether any of the patients have been incorrectly treated and provide an apology to anybody seen by the charged individual.”

“This episode is a black mark against the Territory’s public health system and the Minister needs to be on the front foot when dealing with it.” Mr. Conlan said.

Canberra wants to have control of the Health system at the expense of patients. The Northern Territory remains under the administration of Canberra and if cases such as this can occur under current administrative arrangements what would occur if State Government’s had no say over the running of hospitals?

There are cases in New South Wales and Queensland in recent times that have seen questionable people working in public hospitals. Canberra running the health system would become an administrative nightmare.

When Hospitals were managed by a localised board structure it ensured integrity and efficiency was maintained. The answer to real patient care is localised administration and not centralised control.

South Australia Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond

Rann cannot be trusted on hospital costings

Victor P Taffa

South Australia Premier Mike Rann has been caught out trying to trick South Australians on the cost of the State Liberals’ proposed rebuild of the RAH on its current site.

“The State Liberals have costed the rebuild of the RAH on its current site at $700 million.” Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond said today.

“Mr Rann, on the other hand, has claimed the cost of the State Liberals’ rebuild of the RAH is $1.42 billion.”

“However, if you were to use the same formula on Mr Rann’s $1.7 Billion rail yards hospital then the actual cost would be $3.64 Billion.

“Put simply, in that case Mr Rann’s costing of Labor’s rail yards hospital would therefore blowout by almost $2 billion.”

“Mr Rann and Mr Foley are being sneaky with these costings to suit Labor’s argument and cannot be trusted on costings.”

“The Rann Government’s formula was exposed in a series of letters from Health Department bureaucrats just 24 hours after the release of the State Liberals’ costings for the rebuild of the RAH on its existing site.” Ms. Redmond said.

“The Rann Government has claimed publicly their proposed rail yards hospital can be built for $10,000 per square metre.

“However, Mr Rann’s own public servants are calculating that the construction cost per square metre will be almost three times that amount.”

“In fact, Health Department Executive Director (Statewide Service Strategy) Dr. David Panter has used the figure of $26,000 per square metre to build a hospital.”

“Labor’s proposed rail yards hospital is planned to cover 140,000 square metres – not 170,000 square metres – as outlined by then AMA President Peter Ford in November 2008.

“Using the Government’s own methodology, the cost of Mr. Rann’s rail yards hospital is grossly underestimated.”

“Mr. Rann and his Labor Government cannot be trusted to run South Australia’s economy in a financially responsible way. Mr Rann has been caught out trying to mislead South Australians on the real costs of the rebuild of the RAH on its current site. Mr Rann cannot be trusted on critical issues of financial integrity.” Ms. Redmond said.

Under the provisions of the relevant Electoral Act responsibility for all election comment is assumed by Editor Victor P Taffa. The Registered office of The Southern Thunderer is at 4/69a Darvall Road, West Ryde NSW 2114.

Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

New service delivers health care in the home.

Victor P Taffa

A new service launched today by Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames will help up to 500 elderly and chronically-ill patients each day to stay out of hospital by providing high-quality health care in the comfort of the patient’s own home.

Dr. Hames said Silver Chain Nursing Association’s new Home Hospital service was the centrepiece of the Liberal-National Government’s $84 Million Friend in Need Emergency (FINE) scheme.

“The FINE scheme is a State Government election promise which aims to assist people with complex and ongoing health care needs to remain in their home rather than visiting emergency departments or being admitted to hospital.” Dr. Hames said.

“By providing care in the patient’s home we enhance their level of comfort and security and relieve pressure on our hospitals, supporting the reforms we are putting in place through the Four Hour Rule Program.”

“These reforms will help our hospital and health services to meet the challenge of an ageing population and the increasing demand for health care.” Dr. Hames said.

“Home Hospital includes a new and innovative 24-hour-a-day Priority Response Assessment (PRA) service.”

“PRA teams, led by clinical nurse practitioners, respond and attend to patients within a four-hour time-frame, providing assessment and care in the patient’s home.”

“Home Hospital also includes a major enhancement of Silver Chain’s existing community nursing, post-acute care and community-managed hospital in the home services.” the Minister said.

“With FINE scheme funding, the scope of all of these services has been expanded so they can help more patients’ right across the Metropolitan area.”

“Patients with chronic disease or complex care needs may still need to visit a hospital on occasion, but by offering some services at home we can reduce the number of visits the patient has to make.”

“Care will be provided in consultation with the patient’s GP and hospital medical staff and will only be delivered in the home where it is safe and effective to do so.”

When fully operational in 2010-11, total Government funding to Silver Chain for Home Hospital services will reach $23.3 Million.

The Minister said the launch of the Home Hospital service was an important milestone for the FINE scheme, and in the partnership between Silver Chain and the State Government.

“Silver Chain is one of the biggest providers of community, clinical and health care services in Australia.” Dr. Hames said.

“The State Government already funds Silver Chain to provide Home and Community Care, Palliative care, and health services in rural and remote areas.”

“I am very pleased Silver Chain is now a key partner with the Government in delivering enhanced, innovative in-home care through the FINE scheme and Home Hospital.”

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Health

Victor P Taffa

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett has addressed State Parliament and has outlined the achievements of the first 17 months in office. In a series of extracts from the complete speech to the House Premier Barnett highlighted key policy commitments that have been delivered or on the way to delivery.

I rise today to provide the House with an outline of the Liberal National Government’s policy and legislative priorities for the forthcoming year. In doing so, I will take the opportunity to highlight some of what this Government has achieved in its first 17 months in office.

As Members are well aware, the first year of government coincided with the global financial crisis. As a result, the Government’s priority has been to protect the State’s finances against the impact of the economic downturn, and make decisions that build confidence, attract investment, create jobs and set up the Western Australian economy for the long term.

While the Government will continue to hold a disciplined fiscal line and drive economic growth this year, it will increasingly focus on social and environmental policy. This has already begun with significant initiatives to improve community safety, transform mental health services, give greater independence to some of our public schools, improve water quality in the Swan and Canning Rivers, and start work on a new children’s hospital.

Mr Speaker, as Members are well aware, 2009 ended on a devastating note for Toodyay, after fire destroyed 38 homes on December 29. Before I begin outlining the Government’s agenda, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the volunteers and the many people from State Government agencies who performed so admirably in responding to the fire, both immediately and in the aftermath. It was a remarkable effort and we are all thankful that, despite the loss of homes and treasured possessions, no lives were lost.

Mr Speaker, the former Labor Government squandered many opportunities to share the benefits of the boom of the previous decade. It is a travesty that the spoils of that economic providence were enjoyed by too few West Australians and that too many were left behind.

The Liberal National Government recognises it has a great responsibility to ensure the opportunities in front of us are not wasted. As Premier, I am determined that not only do we make decisions to ensure sustained growth, but that the benefits of a strong economy are shared with all West Australians.

WA Minister for Health Kim Hames

Health

Mr Speaker, our hospital system will undergo a massive transformation as we expand the capacity of our health service with new and redeveloped hospitals.

As announced just two days ago, the new children’s hospital on the QE II Medical Centre site will begin construction in 2012 and be ready for patients in early 2015.

This year, the Government will progress the Royal Perth Hospital Protection Bill, which will ensure Perth retains a central city hospital with an Emergency Department and research capacity.

The Liberal National Government has started construction of Fiona Stanley Hospital. The 643 bed hospital will be completed in December 2013.

Planning continues for the redevelopment of Kalgoorlie Hospital, which will begin construction in mid 2011. Construction on the New Albany Hospital will begin early next year and be completed by the end of 2012.

The Midland Health Campus, replacing Swan Districts Hospital, will provide a new, modern facility for the Eastern Suburbs of Perth and construction will be underway in 2012.

Mr Speaker, we are getting on with the job in health.

And in doing so, we are not only looking at new and redeveloped hospitals but improving the delivery of services in hospitals.

Last year the Government started implementing a four hour rule in metropolitan and regional hospitals throughout the State. The aim is to ensure 98 % of patients arriving at emergency departments are seen and admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours. All metropolitan and regional hospitals will move to the four hour rule this year.

The Liberal National Government has injected an extra $30 Million over two years into reducing waitlists. In 2009, a record number of 75,254 cases of elective surgery were carried out, 2,300 more than the previous year.

The challenges of delivering a quality health service in a State the size of Western Australia are significant. The Liberal National Government has made practical decisions to improve access to health services in regional Western Australia.

This Government recognises that the Royal Flying Doctor Service is very much more than an “interest group”, as they were so dismissively described by the former Labor Government. The Liberal National Government has provided $65 Million over five years for additional aircraft and crews for the RFDS.

To further assist West Australians living in remote, rural and regional areas of the State gain access to quality medical services, the Liberal National Government has invested $7.5 Million extra funding each year for the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme.

Conclusion

Mr Speaker, I believe the record of the Liberal National Government to date shows it is not afraid to make hard decisions in the interests of all West Australians.

We have a responsibility to all members of our community. While the Government is committed to helping people help themselves, we recognise that not everyone has the same capacity to lead better or more prosperous lives on their own. That is why the Liberal National Government will focus on empowering those who have been neglected, hurt or marginalised to live with dignity, confidence and security. Social justice will be a hallmark of the Liberal National Government.

The Government’s commitment to considered reform will build stronger communities throughout the State. This will be achieved through both policy and legislation.

I look forward to a year of robust and informed debate in the Parliament this year. It is incumbent upon all Members to take seriously the responsibility of framing laws that shape the way we live in Western Australia.

Mr Speaker, I wish all Members well for the 2010 Parliamentary year.

Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

Planning for WA’s new children’s hospital begins

Victor P Taffa

Perth will have a new state-of-the-art children’s hospital by 2015 with the Liberal-National Government today announcing the purchase of land, design concepts and consultation with young patients as part of the design concept.

Construction on the new hospital, to be built on the QEII site in Nedlands, is scheduled to start in 2012.

“The $23 Million to be spent in detailed planning works is the first big decision. The State’s new children’s hospital is officially under way.” Premier Colin Barnett said.

“This will allow us to build a hospital to meet the needs and expectations of those who will be using it the most – young patients and staff.

“We promised to build a leading Paediatric care and research facility under a Public-Private Partnership model and we are moving to ensure construction starts on time.”

The funding will be used to complete all works needed for planning ahead of construction, including land acquisition which would allow future relocation of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, enabling works, approvals processes and consultation with reference groups.

Health Minister Kim Hames said some of that planning would include consulting with a Youth Advisory Committee which provided a forum for frequent users of the hospital to share stories and thoughts about the planning process.

“We have a unique opportunity to work with children and young people to build a hospital that are not only able to provide the highest quality of clinical care, but also meets the needs of patients to ensure a positive and comfortable stay.” Dr Hames said.

“Our focus on involving young people and gaining insight into their experiences shows our desire to meeting the needs of future generations.”

Dr Hames said earlier feedback from young patients suggested outdoor areas for patients, fold-up beds for parents and windows in every room were important.

The new children’s hospital would be sited next to Winthrop Avenue overlooking Kings Park on the QEII site in Nedlands.

It would replace Princess Margaret Hospital in Subiaco, with all clinical services relocating to the new hospital.

The hospital was planned to have 250 beds and house the State’s only Paediatric trauma centre.

The new hospital would provide tertiary and key secondary health services including inpatient, ambulatory and outpatient care.

Two new multi-storey car parks would also be built on site to cater for the increase in traffic. They were scheduled to be built in two stages and be completed by 2013 before the new hospital opened.

The multi-storey car parks would have 3,325 bays under a Public-Private Partnership, increasing the total number of bays on-site by 1,525 to 4,560 bays. These would accommodate priority one users – that is, patients, visitors and some staff such as clinical staff and night shift-workers.

“These additional car parks will ensure patients and visitors have convenient access to medical services.” Dr Hames said.

Public transport will be increased to the site to alleviate pressure on parking and give staff an economical and reliable transport option to work.