South Australian Virtual Emergency Service

In reply to the Hon. T.T. NGO (10 May 2018).

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

SAVES commenced in February 2017 with 16 sites initially able to connect to the service (Cleve, Cowell, Cummins, Elliston, Kimba, Streaky Bay, Wudinna, Karoonda, Lameroo, Meningie, Pinnaroo, Tailem Bend, Laura, Hawker, Quorn and Strathalbyn).

An additional 13 sites have now been announced with the required videoconferencing equipment installed in the towns of Booleroo Centre, Burra, Orroroo, Peterborough, Riverton, Snowtown, Kingston, Millicent, Penola, Eudunda, Kingscote, Coober Pedy and Yorketown, throughout March and April 2018, with final testing and modifications made in May 2018.

It is expected that the additional 13 sites will become operational on 18 June 2018.

The equipment and installation costs will be around $470,000. The Rural Doctors Workforce Agency has advised they will be able to take on the additional call volume within their existing staffing model.