Chemotherapy Treatment Error

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:12): Supplementary, sir, if I may, and I thank the minister for his comments in relation to the apology and indication of assistance. But, as Mr Knox has complained—

The SPEAKER: Could the deputy leader ask a question.

Ms CHAPMAN: Yes. As Mr Knox has complained that he hasn't been consulted on any plan for his recovery, can the minister assure the house that he will, in addition to the matters that he has raised, ensure that the patients adversely affected will be consulted on the plans for their extra recovery?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (15:13): Yes, indeed, and I expect that as part of good medical practice. Let me say as well that I didn't know Mr Knox's identity until Mr Knox made the decision to go public. I don't know the identities of any of those involved, other than those who have chosen to make themselves public. Certain individuals within my department know but it is not the practice in Health for individuals' medical records to be passed on to—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader will not breach the standing orders.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: —the minister. The only people who are told the identities of individuals are those who immediately need to know, including, of course, those who have gone and contacted people. But, with regard to me and my office, we are not privy to individuals' medical records, and nor should we be, so it is not appropriate for me to make personal contact. But, of course, Mr Knox has chosen to make his plight public, as is his right, and I would be more than happy to speak to Mr Knox personally if that was of any assistance to him.