Opposition questions the Minister for Health about non-functional autoclaves at Swan District Hospital, leading to surgery cancellations. The Minister dismisses the concerns as politically motivated, but promises an investigation.

AnsweredQoN 242Legislative Assembly
Asked
12 October 2000
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Is the Minister for Health aware that neither of the autoclaves used for sterilising equipment at Swan District Hospital works, meaning instruments and other theatre equipment must be sent to Royal Perth Hospital to be sterilised? (2) Is the minister aware that surgery is having to be cancelled due to a lack of sterilised equipment? (3) Can the minister advise whether the hospital has been having problems with these autoclaves for the past six years, and will he guarantee that they are replaced immediately? Mr DAY

AnswerView source ↗

(1)-(3) That is another entirely negative question, which we have come to expect from an Opposition that is totally bereft of any positive policy or pronouncement about what should be done within our health system. In reality, members opposite know that we have a very high standard health system in this State. No-one has brought to my attention any problem with autoclaves at Swan District Hospital. I would certainly want a greater degree of certainty about the issue than taking the advice of the Labor Party. Obviously, I will have the matter investigated. I have little doubt that this is nothing but another beat-up by the Labor Party.
(2) Is the minister aware that surgery is having to be cancelled due to a lack of sterilised equipment? (3) Can the minister advise whether the hospital has been having problems with these autoclaves for the past six years, and will he guarantee that they are replaced immediately? Mr DAY replied: (1)-(3) That is another entirely negative question, which we have come to expect from an Opposition that is totally bereft of any positive policy or pronouncement about what should be done within our health system. In reality, members opposite know that we have a very high standard health system in this State. No-one has brought to my attention any problem with autoclaves at Swan District Hospital. I would certainly want a greater degree of certainty about the issue than taking the advice of the Labor Party. Obviously, I will have the matter investigated. I have little doubt that this is nothing but another beat-up by the Labor Party.
(3) Can the minister advise whether the hospital has been having problems with these autoclaves for the past six years, and will he guarantee that they are replaced immediately? Mr DAY replied: (1)-(3) That is another entirely negative question, which we have come to expect from an Opposition that is totally bereft of any positive policy or pronouncement about what should be done within our health system. In reality, members opposite know that we have a very high standard health system in this State. No-one has brought to my attention any problem with autoclaves at Swan District Hospital. I would certainly want a greater degree of certainty about the issue than taking the advice of the Labor Party. Obviously, I will have the matter investigated. I have little doubt that this is nothing but another beat-up by the Labor Party.
Mr DAY replied: (1)-(3) That is another entirely negative question, which we have come to expect from an Opposition that is totally bereft of any positive policy or pronouncement about what should be done within our health system. In reality, members opposite know that we have a very high standard health system in this State. No-one has brought to my attention any problem with autoclaves at Swan District Hospital. I would certainly want a greater degree of certainty about the issue than taking the advice of the Labor Party. Obviously, I will have the matter investigated. I have little doubt that this is nothing but another beat-up by the Labor Party.
(1)-(3) That is another entirely negative question, which we have come to expect from an Opposition that is totally bereft of any positive policy or pronouncement about what should be done within our health system. In reality, members opposite know that we have a very high standard health system in this State. No-one has brought to my attention any problem with autoclaves at Swan District Hospital. I would certainly want a greater degree of certainty about the issue than taking the advice of the Labor Party. Obviously, I will have the matter investigated. I have little doubt that this is nothing but another beat-up by the Labor Party.

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