GLENSIDE HOSPITAL

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (2 May 2007).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): The Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse is advised:

The medical centre located on Glenside campus primarily provided care and mental health treatment for frail aged mental health patients as a result of chronic co-morbid medical conditions. It did not provide, as the name might suggest, acute general medical care.

In the event that any patient of Glenside campus needs acute general medical care they are assessed by a medical officer and if necessary are transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) for assessment and treatment.

In November 2006 the new purpose built facility for Aged Mental Health Care Services (AMHCS) opened at the Repatriation General Hospital and 30 AMHCS beds were transferred from Glenside campus to the new facility.

With the transfer of these beds to the new Repatriation General Hospital facility, the services previously provided by the medical centre were consolidated within alternate wards of AMHCS on Glenside campus. These wards were upgraded to accommodate this group of frail aged mental health patients.

A medical officer forms part of the emergency response team that provides rapid response to any medical emergencies occurring on Glenside campus. There has been no reduction in medical offers on site to deal with emergencies.

When necessary, patients are transferred by ambulance to the RAH emergency department for further assessment and treatment.

In addition to emergency medical responses for patients, there are comprehensive psychiatric and medical support services available to patients of Glenside campus.