Hospital Beds

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:47): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding hospital bed closures.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.E. HANSON: On Monday 28 October, Dr Chris McGowan, Chief Executive of the Department for Health and Wellbeing, stated that he could not remember if he had yet met with the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding the atrocious treatment of Mr Dennis Murphy, who was sent home in excruciating pain from the Flinders Medical Centre as a result of the minister's decision to close hospital beds. My question to the minister is: will the minister now confirm whether or not he has met with Dr Chris McGowan, Chief Executive of the Department for Health and Wellbeing, and what action is the Department for Health taking to ensure these types of atrocities never happen again in our hospitals as a result of any decision to close hospital beds?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:48): I thank the honourable member for his question. I take the opportunity to reiterate my apologies to Mr Murphy and his family. I am advised that Mr Murphy was taken to the Flinders Medical Centre emergency department with back pain and was admitted into the extended emergency care unit for surveillance, which included a back X-ray. The medical treating team monitored Mr Murphy and ruled out any neurological issues. Following a review of the physiotherapist, his condition had improved and he was able to mobilise independently. There were no clinical indicators for an urgent MRI scan to occur.

Mr Murphy was discharged with pain relief, and comprehensive discharge summary notes were provided to his local GP. I understand Mr Murphy's FMC medical team asked for his GP to arrange for an outpatient MRI following discharge. I am advised an FMC senior doctor has made further contact with Mr Murphy's GP, and I am advised that he has been seen by his GP and the hospital management plan has continued.