Eberhardt, Ms A.

Mr ELLIS (Narungga) (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Health. Can the minister explain whether there has been any action taken on the complaint which was escalated to the health complaints commissioner by Leah Boyce and her family after the death of their daughter Alexandra Eberhardt. With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr ELLIS: Ally Eberhardt tragically passed away in April 2024 after being treated for a critical illness at the RAH and experiencing complications. The complaint, originally lodged to the RAH direct in February 2024 before her death, was paused for some time while a coronial inquiry was considered, but in July it was confirmed that the complaint would go ahead. Unfortunately, I spoke to Ally's mum on 30 January this year, six months later, and she had not yet received a response and was told that the complaint still had not been assigned a case manager.

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:39): I thank the member for Narungga for his question and for his advocacy on behalf of his local constituents, including Ms Boyce, and also pass on my condolences to Ms Boyce for the loss of her daughter.

As members will be aware, the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner is a statutory position established by this parliament to be independent from the government of the day and provide a vehicle by which patients or their families can have matters investigated, not only public health matters but private health matters or community services matters. They are independent in their operations and they provide a very valuable service for many people across South Australia.

Upon receiving the letter from the member for Narungga this morning, my office has made contact with the Office of the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner and I understand that they will be contacting the member for Narungga's constituents very shortly to make sure this matter is properly progressed.