PUBLIC HOSPITAL STATISTICS

42 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (1 June 2010). What strategies are in place to reduce the preventable admission rate in South Australia's public hospitals?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts): I am advised:

South Australia's Health Care Plan 2007-2016, which was released in 2007, is driving current reform in health care in South Australia. The Plan outlines the key health system reforms, which include improvements to South Australia's health system, to help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.

In 2008-09, SA Health invested $35 million in the implementation of initiatives that form part of GP Plus Health Care Strategy. The GP Plus Health Care Strategy addresses key recommendations arising from the Generational Health Review to provide a fully integrated and accessible health care system and to increase prevention and early discharge services to promote good health. This investment has been increased to over $68 million for the current financial year.

Examples of this investment include:

packages of care provided to people that enables them to have care at home and avoid a hospital admission

pre-hospital intervention by the ambulance service so as to avoid unnecessary transfer to hospital.

SA Health is investing in prevention programs, which promote good health, especially in the areas of weight, smoking and alcohol. This year South Australia launched the Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle Program, a five year program for families and children aimed at tackling obesity and chronic disease.