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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-10-15 Daily Xml
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Question Time

Women's and Children's Hospital

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:19): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding hospitals. Given that you announced the completion of a new facility for the Women's and Children's Hospital special care baby unit on 14 August, some 62 days ago, is that new unit now properly operational? If not, why not?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:19): I thank the honourable member for his question, because it yet again gives the opportunity for me to highlight this government's ongoing investment in the Women's and Children's Hospital. We are not only delivering a world-class new co-located facility on the RAH site, we are continuing to invest in the Women's and Children's North Adelaide site.

The special care baby unit has been upgraded as part of the $50 million sustainment work at the Women's and Children's hospital network. The unit has new treatment spaces, isolation rooms, a family lounge area and extra space for family at the cotside. The upgraded facility will provide a supportive environment for vulnerable newborns and their families at a stressful time.

On 14 August 2020, I toured the new SCBU facility and met with a parent, Amy Purling, whose son Jack received treatment at the unit. The SCB unit was due to open on 25 August 2020. This has been delayed to allow consultation with the ANMF, as per the consultatory requirements contained within the 2020 enterprise agreement. On 24 September 2020, the ANMF was advised in writing that the SCBU development would open on 1 October. This was revised on 25 September to 13 October to ensure adequate time for the final building completion, including ICTU supports.

As of 13 October 2020, the parties have not reached agreement. WCHN has provided all information required and a plan for the first three months after the move, and offered for discussions to continue in relation to longer term arrangements. The ANMF has not agreed and expect that the status quo will remain. WCHN has now advised that the move will occur on 20 October, and it will continue to seek agreement from the union.

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