Hon. Ljiljanna Ravlich asks the Minister for Mental Health about delays in the transfer of Nicolau Soares' medical records between Fremantle Hospital and the Tasmanian Mental Health Service. The Minister acknowledges the tragedy and refers to the Mental Health Bill 2012, but defers a direct answer due to legal processes.

AnsweredQoN 461Legislative Council
Asked
15 August 2013
Portfolio
Mental Health

QuestionView source ↗

NICOLAU
SOARES
461. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH to the Minister for Mental
Health:
(1) Can the
minster advise why, after the Tasmanian Mental Health Service had requested the
full medical records of Nicolau Soares on 11 January, Fremantle Hospital sent
only partial medical records?
(2) When was the full set of medical records sent?
(3) Can the
minister confirm that a full set of medical records was not received by the
Tasmanian Mental Health Service until 23 January?
(4) Can the minister explain why it took so long?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of this question.
(1)–(4)
As I indicated, my heart goes out to the family following this tragedy. I am
aware of the circumstances, and my office has assisted Mr Soares'
family in getting help from the most appropriate person at the Department of
Health, who is now dealing with the family in these tragic circumstances. I
fully understand the family's frustrations about this. The draft Mental
Health Bill 2012 provides a default position that family members and carers are
entitled to access relevant information and be involved in matters such as
discharge planning and a patient's treatment and care. The bill
includes safeguards to ensure that these provisions uphold the best interests
of the patient.
Due to the specific nature of the
question and the complexity of the situation and that it is subject to a legal
process, I ask that the honourable member place the question on notice.

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