High Risk Foot

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (15:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking questions of the minister representing the Minister for Health regarding high risk foot and amputations.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT: High risk foot is defined by the presence of conditions that will negatively impact on the function of the foot or its structures, placing the lower limb at risk of an infection, ulceration or amputation. Whilst diabetes is the most common precursor diagnosis for high risk foot, other conditions that may contribute to risk include renal failure, requiring haemodialysis, systemic arthropathies and autoimmune diseases.

South Australia has one of the highest prevalence of lower limb amputation in Australia. People in South Australia's regional and remote communities are more likely to have limb amputations as a result of diabetes. Limbs 4 Life has sought funding to continue its work with amputees, but has not been given sufficient funding, as we understand it. My questions to the minister are:

1. What is being done to reduce the number of South Australians with diabetes?

2. How are high risk foot clinics working to reduce the number of amputees in South Australia?

3. Is the minister aware of the work of Limbs 4 Life and their peer support for amputees?

4. Will the minister allocate sufficient funding for peer educators to be trained to work with people who have had amputations?

5. Will the minister ensure the provision of peer support in South Australia in line with the stated SA Health policy?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for her most important question relating to foot health issues and lower limb issues, and undertake to take that question the Minister for Health in the other place and seek a response on her behalf.