Viral Respiratory Disease Pandemic Response Plan

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:37): Further supplementary in relation to the answer about the Viral Respiratory Disease Pandemic Response Plan version 6.0. Has each hospital prepared, according to the plan, a standard operating procedure for personal protective equipment use and distribution?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:37): I would not necessarily expect to see the PPE usage policies in a pandemic response plan, but the honourable member is correct that a number of our agencies will have pandemic response plans that sit under the SA Health Viral Respiratory Disease Pandemic Response Plan version 6.

In that context, I am particularly reminded that last Sunday, I think it was, the Ambulance Service not only announced more than 100 people joining the Ambulance Service as part of their pandemic response but also released their specific plan for the pandemic, focusing on their business activities. I would expect a lot of my agencies to develop response plans. I wouldn't necessarily expect to see a PPE usage policy inside that plan.