Pinery Bushfires

Mr GEE (Napier) (15:48): My question is to the Minister for Health. What role did our health system play in supporting communities affected by last year's Pinery bushfire?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (15:48): We were all devastated by the Pinery bushfire which ripped through 85,000 hectares in our state's Mid North last November. During the fire many of our country hospitals and health services were activated as emergency centres and community shelters. More than 70 patients were treated through the Country Health SA Local Health Network, spread between our hospitals at Gawler, Kapunda, Eudunda, Balaklava and Angaston. These patients were all looked after by our dedicated Country Health staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the fire to ensure the wellbeing of those in their care. Many did so despite their own personal circumstances of having properties under threat and uncertainty surrounding the safety of their families and loved ones.

Before Christmas, I visited some of the affected hospitals and heard that the attitude of our doctors, nurses, caterers and volunteers was one of 'all hands on deck', with some staff even travelling back from annual leave to help. As I am sure members will appreciate, our response plans for these types of emergencies are ever evolving, as we learn from each unique event. I was pleased to hear from staff that, following on from the Sampson Flat bushfire which devastated our hills last year, a new plan was created, which saw a faster distribution of emergency supplies from SA Health and a more fluid passage of patients transported by the SA Ambulance Service.

The main concerns raised by staff on the ground during the Pinery fire was around communication between hospitals and commonwealth-run aged-care facilities. I have taken on board these concerns, and Country Health is working to ensure these issues are resolved not only through the Mid North but across our Country Health network. I would like to thank all of our hardworking Country Health and SA ambulance staff and volunteers for their commitment to their communities during this difficult time. The staff at the Lyell McEwin and Royal Adelaide hospitals, in particular the RAH Burns Unit, are also to be commended for their quick responses in treating the critical patients in their care.

May I express my condolences to the family of Janet Hughes and Allan Tiller, who died during the fires. I would also like to pass on my best wishes to all those who are still nursing injuries and illness sustained during the fires. While we can only hope that these events are few and far between, it is assuring to know that, in the event of such emergencies as we saw in November, our health services are ready to support their local communities.