House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-04-29 Daily Xml

Contents

Coronavirus

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:08): My question is to the Premier. Exactly how many ICU beds do we currently have in this state and how many are being created? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PICTON: On 25 March, I asked the Premier this question and he said he didn't have the answer with him at the time. That was 35 days ago and no answer has since been provided.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:08): I'm more than happy to provide an update on this issue. As you would know, going into the COVID-19 pandemic we already had a number of ICU beds in South Australia. We committed to expanding the number of beds, but of course there is no point in expanding the number of beds if you can't expand the ventilator capability, the ECMO capability, the consumables and, of course, most importantly—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: Sir, I think we will just leave that. I'll come back—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! I remind members that interjecting is disorderly. If it continues, members will be departing on both sides. Member for Kaurna, would you like another question? That will be three.