Royal Adelaide Hospital Volunteers

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (15:09): My question is directed to the Minister for Health.

Mr Gardner: They're still protecting the Minister for Mental Health.

The Hon. S.W. KEY: Can the minister advise the house how volunteers will support the operation of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (15:09): Our volunteers are very important, and I know the interest that the member for Ashford has in the wonderful work our volunteers do. They are an absolutely critical part of care across SA Health, giving up their time to help patients and their families in our healthcare system.

Across our state, thousands of volunteers give of their time in our hospitals. They are a lifeline for patients. They are the human face of care. They provide that human contact that is so important if you are injured or unwell. From making wigs to wayfinding, providing pastoral care and a listening ear, our volunteers support the daily functions of our intensive care departments, emergency departments, inpatient wards, laundries and much more. They raise much-needed funds and provide support and care to whomever they meet.

Today, I had the pleasure of spending time with a number of volunteers, who will be based at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, as they looked inside the new hospital for the first time. Their enthusiasm was absolutely infectious and their commitment was second to none. Kathy, one of the volunteers I had the opportunity of meeting today, has been at the Royal Adelaide Hospital since 1999. Her main role is to support patients and relatives who present to the emergency department, especially in times of distress, providing comfort and a shoulder to lean on. Such critical tasks support the work of our doctors and nurses and are very much a valued part of the hospital.

From the 1920s, when the Royal Adelaide Hospital Auxiliary was established, through to the Lavender Lads and Ladies, spiritual care visitor service, wellness centre and heritage office, volunteers have been the lifeblood of the Royal Adelaide Hospital. These individual volunteer groups will come together at the new RAH as the Royal Adelaide Hospital volunteers. The call is now out for generous and enthusiastic people to join their volunteer program. It was interesting speaking to the volunteers. You don't necessarily need to be not in full-time employment. One of the volunteers we were speaking to was full-time employed and she made herself available a few hours every week to assist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital kiosk.

Over almost a century of service, volunteers have had a long and proud history at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and will continue to make a significant contribution at the new site. In volunteers week, I am incredibly proud to support the call for volunteers to be part of our wonderful new Royal Adelaide Hospital. Any members or anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital can get information at newrah.sa.gov.au.

The SPEAKER: The member for Morialta's interjection that the Chair is protecting the Minister for Mental Health is risible, given that more than 50 questions were provided to Her Majesty's Opposition yesterday on this topic and 41 today. Just because he didn't get the call, being No. 42 on the opposition's question list, doesn't mean that this Chair is protecting a minister.

Mr GARDNER: I seek leave to make a personal explanation in relation to the comment you have just made about what I apparently said. To the best of my recollection, I did not reflect upon the Chair. I said 'they' were protecting her—'they' being the government.