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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-03-25 Daily Xml
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Coronavirus

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:46): Supplementary arising from the answer: does this comprehensive plan include specific protocols about how an outbreak within a hospital will be treated?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:46): The protocols are in a whole series of documents, both historical and current. In terms of historic, let me draw the honourable member's attention to some relevant documents. The honourable member might like to see the Pandemic Influenza Plan issued in October 2018. The member might like to refer to the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-2019).

In terms of detailed clinical protocols, the overarching strategy is reflected in documents such as those. In terms of particular strategies to deal with particular clinical streams, there is a lot of work being done, particularly in the area of intensive care. Our own Dr Evan Everest, the Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, has been actively involved in—you may call it a protocol; I would prefer to call it a strategy or a plan. Of course, the government has an overarching plan, which I have referred to. There is a myriad of other documents which support what will have to be a multifaceted approach.

I think it is appropriate to pause and acknowledge the support being given to the health sector right across the state government. The police commissioner is stepping in as a state coordinator. We have regular meetings of cabinet, which are significantly focused in relation to the state's response to the pandemic. I have been very grateful for the support not only provided to Health in terms of direct support for ongoing health operations but also for the wider work being done in the community, particularly in relation to the fourth element, which is to minimise the negative impact on jobs.

It is very important for the health of South Australians not only that we deal with the threat of pandemic but that we maintain the prosperity of our state. We all know the significant relationship between poor health outcomes and poor socio-economic indicators. As we go towards a period of significant unemployment, that is a threat to health just as the pandemic is.

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