Obstetric Services

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (15:23): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Health and Wellbeing a question about obstetric services.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: On Friday we learned that Flinders Private Hospital would be axing its obstetric services from 31 July this year. In response the Premier said on radio, 'I'm sure there'll be other people in the market that will fill it.' My question is: does the minister agree with the Premier's predictions that another private provider will come in and fill the gap for obstetrics in the south?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:23): Within itself, the honourable member's quote and her question are inconsistent. The Premier did not say that there would be private obstetric services in the south. What the Premier was highlighting was that private hospital patients may well choose to go to one facility if another facility is not available.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Scriven, a supplementary.