Page 3077 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 5 December 1989

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Hospital Services
(Question No. 68)

Mr Humphries asked the Minister for Community Services and Health, upon notice, on 15 November 1989:

 Has the ACT hospital system had difficulty filling all medical staff positions; if so (a) what is the reason; and (b) what measures has the Minister taken to overcome this problem and reduce the extra demands this situation places on existing medical officers.

Mr Berry: The answer to Mr Humphries' question is as follows:

The Hospital Services Division experienced difficulties filling junior medical staff positions in 1989. The reason for this was a reduction in medical graduate availability. Also, the majority of junior medical staff prefer appointments to major teaching hospitals in the larger state capitals.

A variety of measures have been taken to overcome the problems of extra demands being placed on existing medical officers, including discussions with all relevant staff members and unions to ascertain what duties could be combined and what areas could accommodate a reduction in medical staffing.

The situation has remained stable since July 1989 with no further resignations. There has also been an active recruitment campaign for 1990 and present indications are that appropriate staffing levels will be achieved.

Hospital Services
(Question No. 69)

Mr Humphries asked the Minister for Community Services and Health, upon notice, on 15 November 1989:

 Has the Minister's office had contact with the interim board of management; if so (a) what form has this contact taken, (b) how much contact has occurred, (c) what questions have been asked of the interim board by the Minister's office, (d) has the Minister's office been in daily contact with the board, and (e) have any directives been issued by the Minister's office to the board.

Mr Berry: The answer to Mr Humphries' question is as follows:

Since May I have met with the full Board once and with individual members of the Board on two separate occasions, I have also maintained contact through the Chief Executive Officer, Len Withers on a regular basis.


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