Royal Adelaide Hospital

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (14:33): My question is to the Minister for Health. Why did the minister say last year that it would be reckless and dangerous to open the new Royal Adelaide Hospital during winter, but indicated recently that he is actively considering opening the new hospital in the winter of 2017?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:33): Obviously, patient safety is an absolute priority. If we were to do a move in the winter period, I would need to be convinced beyond any doubt that it could be done so safely. I would also be seeking external advice that that was the case. At this stage, we are not prepared to rule anything out while we consider what the options are, but I hope in the near future, once the work is done providing me with some reassurance about the cure plan that was provided to the government by SAHP, there is a date that we can have some certainty around. Then we will be in a better position to make some definitive decisions. But I have to say that it would certainly be a very brave health minister indeed who moved hospitals in winter without a lot of safeguards around it. As long as I am health minister, I will not in any way compromise patient safety.