Page 3381 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 19 August 2009
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Australian government swine flu hotline and New South Wales Cooma District Hospital. But when they arrived at the hospital they were actually turned away, despite two family members having flu-like symptoms. I cannot imagine how distressing the situation must have been for the family as they dealt with the death of their father and the perceived impact on their own health. The lack of contact with the family in this case increased the family’s level of stress and discomfort.
In the aftermath of these events, the family contacted the ACT government seeking some form of resolution. They were hoping for an apology for the mistakes that had been made and the impact that it had on their grieving process. The family also wanted some assurances that the same situation will not happen again. Apologies were provided to the family in written form in respect of the articles printed in the media. The family were disappointed as the apology did not, in their opinion, adequately address the mishandling of confidential medical information or the lack of follow-up and emotional support.
The family went on to request a public apology. However, they were told that the written apologies were enough and that it had been decided a public apology would not be issued. In a turn of events, on Saturday, 15 August, the Chief Health Officer did make an apology on the ABC news. The apology that appeared on the ABC news was done without any correspondence or personal interaction with the family.
Mr Hanson has already read out the five things the family would like to see addressed and which were issued in their family statement on 16 August. They are all areas which should be covered in a situation such as this one with swine flu or any other situation that involves information needing to be given to a family to help them in the grieving process.
I note that the Minister for Health has moved an amendment to the motion which acknowledges the hard work and hours that have been put in by a number of Health staff in response to the swine flu pandemic. This is a true statement. Staff have worked incredibly hard and done an amazing job in addressing swine flu in the ACT. I would note that a very successful clinic was run by nurses in the initial stages of the arrival of swine flu in the ACT. Also in estimates hearings, the Chief Health Officer, Dr Guest, gave evidence about the significant steps that were being taken to combat the pandemic.
However, I will not be supporting the minister’s amendment as we do not believe it is appropriate, given the context of this motion. This motion is about the family and providing a resolution that they want, and that is what this motion should remain about. We are not in any way, though, disregarding the hard work which has been done by ACT Health and officials.
In closing, my office has spoken with the family in regard to Mr Hanson’s motion and they support its text. I, too, will be supporting the motion on behalf of the Greens and hope that the government follows the suggestions of the family and develops strong protocols for dealing with bereaved families, particularly where information is essential to helping families and, beyond that, friends and work colleagues through the grieving process.
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