❓ Hon Tim Clifford raises concerns about delays in Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) reimbursements and approvals in the Kimberley region. The Minister for Health responds that reimbursements are being processed within the required timeframe and staffing is adjusted as needed.
AnsweredQoN 1037Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Patient Assisted Travel Scheme—Kimberley
1037. Hon Tim Clifford to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister
for Health:
(1) Is the minister aware of reported delays in
the administration of the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) reimbursements
and approvals in the Kimberley and, if so, what measures are being taken to
address these delays?
(2) Has the WA Country Health Service undertaken
any reviews or audits of PATS staffing levels and service delivery in the
Kimberley and, if so, will the minister table the findings?
(3) Will the minister commit to increasing
staffing resources or reopening regional PATS offices to ensure equitable
access to travel support for patients in remote Kimberley communities?
1037. Hon Tim Clifford to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister
for Health:
(1) Is the minister aware of reported delays in
the administration of the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) reimbursements
and approvals in the Kimberley and, if so, what measures are being taken to
address these delays?
(2) Has the WA Country Health Service undertaken
any reviews or audits of PATS staffing levels and service delivery in the
Kimberley and, if so, will the minister table the findings?
(3) Will the minister commit to increasing
staffing resources or reopening regional PATS offices to ensure equitable
access to travel support for patients in remote Kimberley communities?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has
been provided by the Minister for Health.
(1)–(3) Reimbursements for approved
Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) applications in the Kimberley are being
processed within the required business timeframe as per PATS policy
requirements. The WA Country Health Service continuously reviews PATS service
requirements and adjusts staffing accordingly to support timely access to PATS
regardless of the location.
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has
been provided by the Minister for Health.
(1)–(3) Reimbursements for approved
Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) applications in the Kimberley are being
processed within the required business timeframe as per PATS policy
requirements. The WA Country Health Service continuously reviews PATS service
requirements and adjusts staffing accordingly to support timely access to PATS
regardless of the location.
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