Page 863 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 16 March 2010
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Monday following, and is home today. Is that not an example of the efficiency of accident and emergency and how outpatient services work in the hospital?
MS GALLAGHER: I thank Mr Hargreaves for the question. I am not aware of the individual Mr Hargreaves speaks about, but the point he raises is a good one, which is that our emergency department—
Members interjecting—
MS GALLAGHER: Again, if those opposite took the time to have a look at the treatment times from entering the emergency department to exit they would see that we run, I think, the most efficient hospital in the country in relation to the provision of emergency care once in the emergency department.
In all areas of emergency department categories, categories 1 to 5, we are seeing gradual and continued improvement in the numbers reaching our performance targets. Again, in category 1 the figure is 100 per cent. I do not think there is another jurisdiction that delivers 100 per cent timeliness for all category 1 patients. In category 2, 83 per cent of those are seen on time; in category 3, 61 per cent—a 13 per cent improvement on this time last year; in category 4, 56 per cent are seen on time—an eight per cent improvement on last year. In category 5, 78 per cent are seen on time. In three of those categories we are performing above the national benchmark and in categories 3 and 4 we are heading there very quickly.
Mr Smyth interjecting—
Mr Stanhope interjecting—
MR HARGREAVES: You guys had better start picking another campaign to run on because the emergency department improvements are continuing. They have been consistently improving over time and they will continue to improve. Do you know what? It is the staff in that emergency department that deserves the credit that those opposite do not ever give them.
Members interjecting—
MS GALLAGHER: They have got your number, Mr Hanson.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Gallagher, resume your seat, thank you. Mrs Dunne.
Mrs Dunne: Three times, I think, Mr Speaker, Mr Stanhope said to one member here—I do not know who—to stop lying. I would like him to withdraw.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Stanhope, it is unparliamentary language.
Mr Stanhope: I withdraw, Mr Speaker, but I did not say it and anybody that says I did is a liar.
MR HANSON: A supplementary, Mr Speaker. I am sure I will give him another opportunity now.
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