Hospital Safety

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:22): Supplementary arising from the original answer: has the minister received any advice regarding safety and security measures that need to be improved across our hospital system?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:22): I constantly receive advice in relation to safety. This is a constant part of what SA Health does: we are constantly striving to ensure the safety of our patients and our staff. To give honourable members a couple of examples of recent initiatives: the investment of $7 million in a car park at Lyell McEwin will significantly improve patient safety.

In relation to country hospitals, in the last 12 months there has been a review undertaken right across our country hospitals to improve safety. The investment in the Whyalla Hospital will specifically reduce the risk of violent incidents, and there have been violent incidents in Whyalla Hospital in recent months. In terms of a system-wide approach, we are currently looking at a document produced by the Victorian Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation to see what lessons can be learnt for our South Australian policies and procedures.