Answers to Questions

Hospital Management Investigation

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (23 February 2016).

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries): I have been advised:

The matter has been investigated and a report on its findings has been completed. The report will not be tabled in parliament.

I can advise that appropriate action was taken in respect of the person(s) involved in the changing of the medical record.

The SA Health chief executive issued a communication to all staff in on 14 December 2015, reminding staff the creation and maintenance of medical records is a fundamental element of SA Health's service delivery and that all staff have a duty to ensure official records are maintained in good order and condition as per the State Records Act 1997.

A project to encapsulate the principles of existing standards and guidelines in a single overarching policy has resulted in the Medical Records Policy Directive (Health Record Management Policy). After several rounds of consultation beginning in March 2016, the policy was distributed for final consultation in January/February 2017, and is expected to be approved by Executive shortly.