Page 4227 - Week 15 - Tuesday, 20 November 1990
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MR KAINE: I withdraw nothing, Mr Speaker.
Mr Moore: Mr Speaker, I insist that he withdraw it.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Moore, I believe that the imputation was not in the manner in which you have taken it. My understanding is that you have overreacted to those words.
Mr Moore: Not at all, Mr Speaker. He said "an illegal act from a man like Michael Moore". The imputation was quite clear, and I request, once again, that the Chief Minister withdraw it.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Moore, I will review the Hansard on the issue and take it up at that stage.
Royal Canberra Hospital South - Obstetrics Block
MRS NOLAN: My question is to Mr Humphries in his capacity as Minister for Health. What is the Government doing to address the concerns about the obstetrics block raised by the Australian Nursing Federation?
MR HUMPHRIES: I thank Mrs Nolan for her question. The ANF did raise, a couple of weeks ago, some concerns about the obstetrics block at Royal Canberra Hospital South. One of the most exciting features of the whole hospital redevelopment program is the design and construction of that new obstetrics block. Over recent years there has been concern about the adequacy of accommodation available for obstetric patients and about the provision of public antenatal services.
As part of the program a new obstetrics block has been designed, in full consultation with obstetricians and midwives and with childbirth community organisations, and I am confident it will significantly improve obstetric services in the Territory. The building will comprise single- and two-bedroom wards with en suites, in contrast to the existing four-bed wards, and it will include a new neonatal intensive care unit and a full range of delivery suites and assessment rooms.
Because it will provide obstetric services away from the main tower block it has been possible to design a much less institutional environment which recognises that women giving birth are not sick but are experiencing a major life event. However, it will have direct and close access to the new diagnostic and treatment block; so the transport time to the operating theatres is minimal when this backup clinical support is needed.
Even prior to the opening of the diagnostic and treatment block, the travel distance to operating theatres within the tower block will be significantly shorter than those currently in place in Royal Canberra Hospital North. The
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