Port Pirie Neurology Services

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome) (15:18): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Can the minister advise what I should tell the people of Port Pirie, and in particular the 30 to 40 people suffering from Parkinson's disease, who are having issues being able to consult a neurologist? With your leave, and that of the house, sir, I will explain a bit further.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: There has been a visiting neurologist consulting in Port Pirie over the last six to 12 months in a very unreliable pattern. There have been periods when the services have been withdrawn or unavailable, with no notice whatsoever to those patients requiring that service. It has also been brought to my attention that there were periods when the medical director has sent the neurologist to other locations, acting as a locum, leaving particularly those people with Parkinson's disease very frustrated and very distressed. This is a matter of major concern for the health and wellbeing of those people, and I would like to have an answer as a matter of urgency.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education) (15:19): I thank the member for the question. As the minister representing the Minister for Health in this chamber, I will seek advice from the Minister for Health in relation to the detail the member has sought, particularly in relation to neurology services for people living in the Port Pirie area. This is a government that takes health services for all South Australians, for country South Australians very seriously and we will continue to do so. I will bring back an answer for the member.