Question Time

Women's and Children's Hospital

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:56): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney, representing the Minister for Health in another place, a question about the Women's and Children's Hospital.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: I note that yesterday morning the Premier and health minister announced the new site for the new Women's and Children's Hospital, with the expected price tag of $3 billion to $3.2 billion. I note also that, as part of those announcements, the government said that it would be 'futureproofing cardiac surgery'. My questions to the minister are:

1. What does futureproofing cardiac surgery mean?

2. Is the government committed to pursuing a dedicated cardiac unit as part of the medium to long-term plan for the new hospital?

3. Can the minister give an indication of what he is doing to fulfil that commitment and overcome the need for babies and children to travel interstate for surgeries that could otherwise be done here in South Australia?

4. What options are being considered for the old Women's and Children's Hospital site once the new one is operational?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for her question. It is an issue that I know the honourable member is passionate about and has raised publicly previously. I will go to the minister in another place, and I am sure he will bring back a speedy reply for the honourable member.