Emergency Departments

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:44): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. What is being done to relieve pressure on emergency departments, especially with winter and a new more virulent strain of flu fast approaching? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Ms BEDFORD: As I understand it, on Monday night Modbury Hospital's emergency department was overrun at around 5 o'clock, seeing patients diverted to the Lyell McEwin. The Lyell McEwin was subsequently totally overrun by 8pm and no-one could divert to the new RAH as they were already experiencing ramping by that time.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (14:45): Thank you to the member for Florey for that very important question. As we approach summer—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Winter—sorry, yes. As we leave summer and approach winter, the flu season is something we are all aware of. In fact, I suspect most people in this chamber today got their flu shot this morning, which is a terrific service. With regard to the question from the member for Florey, I am reminded of the former government's performance with regard to the transition from the old to the new RAH and the bungles that were made there in connection with the flu season, so the Minister for Health and Wellbeing is very focused on this issue.

You had many components to your question with regard to different services at different hospitals that were impacted, so I would be very pleased to go back to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing to get a very clear briefing for the member for Florey with regard to exactly how this flu season is being approached.