Strathalbyn Hospital

Mr GOLDSWORTHY (Kavel) (14:42): My question is to the Minister for Health. Will the minister assure the house that the Strathalbyn hospital will continue to operate as an inpatient facility and not be converted to a residential aged-care facility?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:42): Yes, absolutely I can. Can I quote from that wonderful paper of record, the Mount Barker Courier, and the comments that it quotes from the Strathalbyn medical clinic co-director, Dr Gerard Cobiac. He says, and I am quoting from The Courier:

Dr...Cobiac said under the new system ambulances would be redirected to the Mt Barker hospital overnight, with the Strathalbyn hospital...treating minor emergencies.

He said the introduction of a 24-hour emergency department in Mt Barker would help to relieve a system that was 'hardly sustainable' and dangerous.

'This will take some of the burden off us and keep us from working 16-24-hour days, which is when mistakes are made,'...

That is from Dr Cobiac. There is a wonderful front page of the Mount Barker Courier. I think this is great outcome and absolutely can guarantee the future of the Strathalbyn hospital.