Page 1528 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 2 May 1990
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the people referred to were employed by Mr Berry in his - - -
Mr Kaine: Or Mr Berry himself.
MR HUMPHRIES: Or Mr Berry himself, indeed. Since the report came out, I have certainly given great encouragement to the concept of a teaching hospital, and I support the words quoted by Ms Follett because I believe that there are significant advantages in having that facility in the ACT. I speak here wearing my hat not necessarily as Minister for Education but as Minister for Health.
The spin-offs to the ACT health system of having a teaching hospital are very considerable and, in the view of one member of the Fraenkel report team, would pay for themselves over a period. That is yet to be established. If and when it is established, I will come back to the Assembly and tell it.
Ophthalmologists
MS MAHER: My question also is directed to the Minister for Health, Education and the Arts. What action is the Government taking to ensure that there are adequate services in Canberra for eye surgery and to reduce the waiting list for the large number of elderly people suffering major sight problems?
Mr Berry: You haven't clinched the deal already?
MR HUMPHRIES: We have, Mr Berry. We have clinched the deal, yes. Mr Speaker, I am sorry to embarrass Mr Berry in this way. It embarrasses me slightly, too. I knew that Mr Berry could not do this in seven months, and it took me five to do it, so I am embarrassed that I could not better him by any more than two months.
It is unfortunate, Mr Berry, that we have had in the ACT for some time - far too long - a dispute concerning the provision of ophthalmological services in our public hospitals. I am pleased to advise the Assembly that, following extensive consultations with the AMA, new arrangements have been offered to ophthalmologists for a return to the public hospital system. I am pleased to say that six specialists have accepted this new offer and ophthalmology services in our new hospitals have begun to return to normal.
It is important to note that a roster for the provision of emergency ophthalmology services has commenced on a two-month trial basis. I have asked the interim hospitals board to review the waiting lists for Medicare patients and to discuss how the unfortunate backlog which has accumulated over the past two years might be cleared.
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