FROME ELECTORATE

Mr BROCK (Frome) (15:01): My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. Can the minister please—I am sorry, Mr Speaker; I am not allowed to use the word 'please'—

The SPEAKER: No, you are not.

Mr BROCK: Can the minister advise if there are any further cuts to health staff, including allied and community health, at any hospitals in the electorate of Frome? On 6 June 2013 I asked the minister:

...are there any moves by Country Health SA or the health department to reduce any of the current services at the Clare Hospital and, in particular, Kara House with the palliative care ward?

The minister replied:

Certainly not that I have been advised, but I will double check with my department and get back to the member for Frome with a definitive answer.

From memory I cannot recall receiving an answer, and I am now including in the request all hospitals in the electorate of Frome.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (15:02): I thank the member for Frome for his question. Clare Hospital recently relocated the palliative care room to an alternative room within the same hospital wing. The previous location was converted to a labour ward. The relocation of the labour ward was required due to the recent theatre upgrade necessitated by increased demand.

The reinstated palliative care room is comparable with the previous room. Kara House Nursing Home is located to the rear of the Clare Hospital and was not in any way affected. There are no planned reductions in services at Clare Hospital, and I am further advised that there are no immediate plans to cease any frontline community-based allied health services in the Mid North of the state.