Women's and Children's Hospital

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:28): Supplementary arising from the answer in relation to the need for beds in this sort of ward: can the minister confirm if any work has been done or thought has been given to the effect the opening of the proton therapy unit at SAHMRI II will have on the need for these sorts of beds?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:28): Yes, it certainly has. Another factor which has been considered is in relation to African migration. If African migration continues, then a business case for more resources may well be needed in relation to the assessment and treatment of children with sickle cell disease. These are all factors that are fed into a long-term plan, because unlike the former Labor government we are not condemning the children's hospital to the North Adelaide site for decades to come.

We are building a new Women's and Children's Hospital that will take the Women's and Children's 140-year history into the next generation. That former government is condemned for condemning the Women's and Children's Hospital to last-century services.