Intensive Care Unit Beds

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:36): My question is to the Premier. Why are there two patients who need urgent cancer operations, who have had their surgery cancelled at the Royal Adelaide Hospital because of a lack of ICU beds, when we see ICU rooms now filled with storage equipment?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:36): As you would appreciate, clinical decisions regarding the care of patients are made by clinicians. They are not made by politicians. When the Chief Executive of the—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the leader!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —Central Adelaide Local Health Network was asked this question, she provided a full explanation to the media pack today. There are a number of factors which come into—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: There are a number of matters which come into consideration in terms of the scheduling of important cancer treatment. Obviously, from time to time there may need to be an opportunity to reschedule that. We do that with regret here in South Australia and try to reschedule that life-saving treatment as quickly as possible. I don't have any specific details with regard to the two cases the member offered to the parliament a few moments ago, but what I can say is that the clinicians are the ones that make the decisions. I back the clinicians here in South Australia. I think they do—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Kaurna! The leader is warned.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: As I said, we absolutely back the work of the clinicians in South Australia. They do an outstanding job, but from time to time there are requirements to reschedule procedures. We do that with regret.