Mental Health Beds

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (15:24): My question is to the Minister for Health. Can the minister tell the house how many extra mental health beds have become operational since the government announced extra beds on 6 September?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (15:24): We have had some difficulty opening the additional beds for a number of reasons, but I have instructed my department to move quickly. I can inform the house there are additional beds that have been opened in the country. In particular, we have new beds online in Whyalla and Berri and there will be additional beds in Mount Gambier as well, but I expect the extra beds that I announced several weeks ago will be open shortly.