House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-06-02 Daily Xml

Contents

SA Pathology

In reply to Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (13 May 2020).

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier): I have been advised:

SA Pathology has established a team of domiciliary nurses and phlebotomists with the capacity to immediately test everyone in a congregate care facility, such as an aged-care facility, if an outbreak occurs, helping to quickly identify cases, limit the spread and protect both vulnerable residents and staff.

SA Pathology's mobile service is available to all metropolitan residential facilities and country facilities within reach of a regional pathology laboratory and patient centre.

The intent of the Australian government Department of Health contract is to supplement services provided by public health units and public pathology providers.

The Department of Health Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update dated 25 April 2020 stated:

This service has been made available in addition to existing public health pathology services to ensure the testing of residents and staff of residential aged-care facilities is supported during the pandemic. It recognises the unique challenges in providing COVID-19 testing for these individuals and their heightened vulnerability.