House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2021-02-17 Daily Xml

Contents

Smith, Ms A.M.

In reply to Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (26 November 2020). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing): I have been advised:

On 7 April 2020, Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) Safety and Quality Unit became aware of Ms Smith's death after a Coroner's notice was logged into the Safety Learning System by Royal Adelaide Hospital staff.

The South Australian Ambulance (SAAS) had already notified South Australian Police and the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner.

The matter was then included in a report to the SA Health chief executive's weekly executive meeting.

Safety and Quality Unit DHW, notified Wellbeing SA and legal advice was sought regarding information sharing with NDIA and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the NDIS Commission).

The Safety and Quality Unit DHW notified the NDIS Commission. The NDIS Commission then wrote to the Safety and Quality Unit DHW requesting health records of Ms Smith to be released to them to assist in their investigation.

The Adult Safeguarding Unit, within Office for Ageing Well, became aware of Ms Smiths' death on 25 May 2020, when it was reported in the media.

The Adult Safeguarding Unit works with adults at risk of abuse to develop a safeguarding plan in accordance with a person's wishes and unique circumstances.

Given it's legislative remit, there was no role for the Adult Safeguarding Unit subsequent to Ms Smith's death.