Country Health Services

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE (Chaffey—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (15:14): I rise today to speak about a recent trip by the health minister up to Chaffey. It was great to have him visit the doctors, clinicians and both the Waikerie Health Service and Riverland General Hospital. The minister also came up to make the $4 million announcement for funding for the new MRI machine at the Riverland General Hospital. It is great news for the Riverland and for country health.

We have a government and a minister prepared to put some effort into regional hospitals, and this MRI machine is an outstanding outcome. The $4.1 million comprises around $1.5 million for the MRI machine and, just as importantly, the remainder of the funding is for the housing of the machine and ensuring that we have adequate facilities that will assist patients. I think this is an outstanding achievement.

Currently, patients are undertaking around 3,000 trips to Adelaide. For patients who have to travel long distances, it is about a 600-kilometre round trip, and that represents over six hours in a vehicle. There is hardship in having to undergo these scans, in most cases through health misfortune, and it also takes people away from their workplaces and from their families, and it comes at a great cost. To have this MRI machine at the Riverland General Hospital will be an absolute boon.

It is expected to be operational in 2020, which is great news. As I said, this will reduce a significant amount of stress caused by the travelling and financial impact. This facility is another feather in the cap of Riverland health services, so it is great news. It is a commitment to country health services, so I am very, very proud.

Mr GEE: Point of order, sir: I draw your attention to the state of the house.

A quorum having been formed:

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE: I am proud that the Marshall Liberal government is also delivering additional chemotherapy services in the Riverland after a $6.9 million commitment from the government. We are increasing the investment to allow higher levels of cancer treatment at the Riverland General Hospital, including the deployment of specialised chemo and oncology staff, and the establishment of a pilot program where a local GP receives training in medical oncology.

Furthermore, the $3.6 million in annual funding for governing boards, including the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network Governing Board, is allowing decision-making closer to the people who deliver and receive that health care. As I said, I commend the Marshall Liberal government for their commitment to regional health services, particularly in the Riverland in the electorate of Chaffey.

I would also like to thank the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Champion; the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network Governing Board Chair, Dr Peter Joyner; and the Director of Nursing at the Riverland General Hospital, Sally Shannon; and the Berri Barmera HAC Presiding Member, Josie Nelson. They have all played key roles in advocating and facilitating the machine to the Riverland.

I must also acknowledge the wider Riverland community for their support on the petition to attract the MRI, not only the licence but the funding for the machine. It is great to see that the state government and the commonwealth government are working together to bring better services to regional South Australia because we all know #RegionsMatter.