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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 5 Hansard (8 May) . . Page.. 1830 ..

The original plan was to release the Spatial Plan in late 2003 (refer to The Canberra Spatial Plan - planning Canberra's future released in April 2002). As a result of the bushfire disaster in January 2003 and additional studies relating to the recovery, the time frame for the Spatial Plan has been adjusted so that it is now planned to be concluded in December 2003.

This has involved additional unexpected tasks and consultations, yet many partners in the Spatial Plan project have acknowledged the long-term value in the broad collaborative process which has been undertaken

ACT Hospice

(Question No 590)

Mr Smyth

In relation to the ACT Hospice:

Have any beds been closed at the ACT Hospice this financial year, if so:

why;

when; and

how many beds were closed;

How many beds were closed at the ACT Hospice over the Christmas/New Year period;

Are there any plans to close beds at the ACT Hospice at any other time this financial year.

Mr Corbell: The answer to the member's question is as follows:

Beds in the ACT Hospice are closed only in exceptional circumstances. Despite closures, any request for the urgent provision of palliative care was able to be satisfied.

During the current financial year:

(a) Beds have been closed on two occasions. The first closure was during the Christmas/New Year period. This occurred at the time of traditional reduction in demand and a number of ACT Hospice patients electing to return to their families. An additional closure was required to allow internal construction work to be undertaken.

The periods of closure were 9 December 2002 - 2 February 2003 and 7 April -

4 May 2003 respectively.

Four beds were closed during the Christmas/New Year period. The creation of the additional accommodation required the closure of three beds for the construction period.

There are no further plans to close ACT Hospice beds within this financial year.

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