HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

119 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 July 2010). What is the average waiting time that patients spend in South Australian hospital emergency departments before being admitted?

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:

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Australian Hospital Statistics 2008-09 Report, the average time spent in Emergency Departments for patients with an end status of 'Admitted to this hospital' for 2008-09 in South Australia was six hours and four minutes. This was the second lowest in the country and below the national average of six hours and 10 minutes.