Chua, Dr A.

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (15:01): My question is to the Premier. What is the Premier's response to the concerns raised with the government by Dr Alvin Chua about his patient who collapsed from a heart attack last Tuesday at Athelstone and had to wait 24 minutes for an ambulance to attend?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Point of order: the member has a way to ask a question where he seeks to introduce facts. He continues to refuse to do it. He should seek leave if he wishes to ask a question like that.

The SPEAKER: The member has two options: he can either paraphrase within standing orders or ask for leave. I happen to know this man, so I am interested in the answer and the question.

Mr PICTON: Excellent. So rephrase; is that what you are saying, Mr Speaker?

The SPEAKER: Yes.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! If it is within order.

Mr PICTON: My question is to the Premier. What is the Premier's response to concerns raised by Alvin Chua about his patient who had to wait 24 minutes for an ambulance?

The SPEAKER: I will allow that question. Minister.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (15:02): It should be no surprise to the member opposite that public comment or comment in this place about a specific situation like that is not something that would normally be forthcoming at all. Again, I am more than happy to go to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and gather any information that might be appropriate to share but, in terms of a specific comment about a specific patient's circumstances, that would certainly not be right.

I have been able to gather some information to share with the member opposite in response to another question he raised earlier, so I will take this opportunity to share the advice I have received, which is that cardiology services are provided across CALHN, and all decisions are made in the best interests of each patient. A clinically appropriate decision was made on 10 October to treat a patient at the RAH, as the cardiologist on duty was attending to another emergency case. There is a review of rostering going on to ensure the best availability of interventional cardiologists at all times. I can confirm that I am advised that cardiology services are available 24 hours a day at The QEH.