Country Health SA

26 The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (29 May 2018).

1. Is it the government's intention to split the Country Health SA functions of workforce, training, safety and quality, service planning, budgeting between the government's proposed six country health region boards?

2. Will the South Coast, Gawler and Mount Barker hospitals be incorporated in metropolitan regions or country regions under the governments new proposals?

3. What will the public selection process be for selection of proposed new health board chairs and members?

4. Has any offer been made for appointment as a chair of a regional health board, and if so, to whom?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing): I have been advised:

1. There will be six country local health networks established to replace the current Country Health SA Local Health Network. Detailed planning will occur over the coming months on the range of functions and responsibilities to be devolved to these local health networks.

2. The six country local health networks that will be established are based on the current Country Health SA regional boundaries. As such the South Coast (Victor Harbor), Gawler and Mount Barker Hospitals will continue to remain part of a country region.

3. There will be extensive public advertising across South Australia and nationally commencing early June 2018, inviting people to submit an expression of interest for local health network board chair positions. The selection process will be merit and skill based with announcements to be made by 31 July 2018. A similar and separate selection process for board members will be undertaken later in 2018.

4. I have made no offers to persons to be appointed as chair of a governing board.