Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2021-04-01 Daily Xml

Contents

Modbury Hospital

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:08): What does the minister have to say to senior doctors who are raising significant concerns about the HDU's staffing levels, warning that patient safety could be put at risk?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:08): I would like to stress that the model of care for the HDU was developed by an expert working group led by an independent clinician. Part of the consultation in relation to that model of care led to the provision of an anaesthesia registrar. This will strengthen the critical care capacity throughout the hospital, specifically in relation to MET call attendances, assistance with category 1 patients presenting to the emergency department and advanced airway support.

Also, there will be a HDU resident medical officer available onsite at all times. Medical officers will be specifically upskilled to manage deteriorating patients through a training program developed in partnership with the University of Adelaide that will utilise the latest, state-of-the-art, medical-based simulation, and state-of-the-art, mobile telemedicine units will enable real-time, high definition, clinical support from the Lyell McEwin Hospital, including the ICU. I am also advised that a significant proportion of the nurses who will be working in the HDU have intensive care experience.