Balaklava Hospital

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome) (15:11): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Health and Wellbeing in the house. Can the minister update the house on the future direction of the Balaklava hospital operating theatre and also the future direction of the Balaklava hospital in general? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain further.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.C. van Holst Pellekaan: That's exactly how you do it.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Energy and Mining is called to order. The member for Frome has the call.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: In late 2019, the planned surgeries of the operating theatre were cancelled due to problems with tree roots blocking underground pipes, and the decision was made to suspend theatre operations at the time. Since then, there have been numerous meetings and consultation regarding the future direction of the operating theatre. However, to date there has been no firm direction for the Balaklava community to understand the future of the operating theatre and also the future of the Balaklava hospital. The people of Balaklava and surrounding areas are looking for a positive and good result announcement regarding the issues and concerns raised by the decision to cease the operation of the theatre.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education) (15:12): I thank the member for his question in relation to the Minister for Health's portfolio. I will approach the Minister for Health, as is the usual practice, and verify the particulars as identified in the member's question or otherwise and bring back a response to the member in the house.