Page 1317 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 11 May 1993

MINISTER FOR HEALTH

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO 659

Woden Valley Hospital - Racist Remarks

Allegations

Mr Cornwell - asked the Minister for Health:

In relation to allegations of racist remarks by a nurse at Woden Valley Hospital (Community Times, March 18)

(1) What were the findings of the investigation into the incident?

(2) Has disciplinary action been taken and, if so, what action has been taken?

(3) Has the patient concerned received an apology and if not, why not?

Mr Berry - the answer to Mr Cornwells question is:

(1) There is strong evidence from several independent sources that only three words

were spoken by the nurse. Those words were spoken in an angry and abrupt

manner.

There is absolutely no evidence of racial or cultural discrimination on the part of the nurse or other staff on the ward involved in this incident.

(2) The nurse in question has been counselled appropriately about her manner and

has apologised.

(3) In accordance with Woden Valley Hospitals Complaints Policy, a letter from the

General Manager was mailed to the complainant on 31 March 1993 giving a

factual account of the results of the investigation and apologising for the distress

caused to the patient by the nurses manner.