❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses potential budget cuts to child development services and medical research, alongside concerns about increasing wait times for essential therapies. The Minister acknowledges the cuts, explains the rationale, and disputes the extent of the waiting times.
AnsweredQoN 1332Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the minister to the child development survey which was released today by the North Metropolitan Health Service and which found that one in four Western Australian children have developmental problems by the age of five. I refer also to the warnings of the Australian of the Year health expert, Professor Fiona Stanley, that that situation is a time bomb. (1) Can the minister confirm that his Government has advised the State Child Development Centre, which screens children for developmental problems, that its budget will be cut by 11 per cent? (2) Can the minister also confirm that his Government is cutting $1 million from the medical health research infrastructure fund, which provides funding support for research projects and groups such as the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research? (3) Can the minister further confirm that waiting times for speech pathology, clinical psychology and occupational therapy have now blown out to around 12 months? Mr J.A. McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(1) Can the minister confirm that his Government has advised the State Child Development Centre, which screens children for developmental problems, that its budget will be cut by 11 per cent? (2) Can the minister also confirm that his Government is cutting $1 million from the medical health research infrastructure fund, which provides funding support for research projects and groups such as the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research? (3) Can the minister further confirm that waiting times for speech pathology, clinical psychology and occupational therapy have now blown out to around 12 months? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(2) Can the minister also confirm that his Government is cutting $1 million from the medical health research infrastructure fund, which provides funding support for research projects and groups such as the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research? (3) Can the minister further confirm that waiting times for speech pathology, clinical psychology and occupational therapy have now blown out to around 12 months? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(3) Can the minister further confirm that waiting times for speech pathology, clinical psychology and occupational therapy have now blown out to around 12 months? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(1) Can the minister confirm that his Government has advised the State Child Development Centre, which screens children for developmental problems, that its budget will be cut by 11 per cent? (2) Can the minister also confirm that his Government is cutting $1 million from the medical health research infrastructure fund, which provides funding support for research projects and groups such as the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research? (3) Can the minister further confirm that waiting times for speech pathology, clinical psychology and occupational therapy have now blown out to around 12 months? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(2) Can the minister also confirm that his Government is cutting $1 million from the medical health research infrastructure fund, which provides funding support for research projects and groups such as the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research? (3) Can the minister further confirm that waiting times for speech pathology, clinical psychology and occupational therapy have now blown out to around 12 months? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(3) Can the minister further confirm that waiting times for speech pathology, clinical psychology and occupational therapy have now blown out to around 12 months? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
I thank the member for some notice of this question, which has enabled me to obtain a detailed response. (1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(1) Funding to the State Child Development Centre in the current financial year, 2003-04, will be reduced by $100 000. Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr M.F. Board: What percentage of its budget is that? Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: The allocated budget is approximately $3.1 million. The member can do the arithmetic. Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr M.F. Board: Why is $100 000 to be cut? Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: Let me answer that. The child development centre has approximately 39 employees, of whom 12 are administrative and clerical staff. The $100 000 savings are to come from merging the following administrative and general functions into the general administrative structure of the women’s and children’s hospital: the medical records officer, relieving secretary, secretary, telephonist and cleaner. There has been and there will be no reduction in clinical services offered to the children concerned. (2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(2) With regard to the $1 million medical research fund, in my ministerial statement on 6 September 2003, I announced the reprioritisation of funding within the Department of Health to meet core health services. The reprioritisation of non-government organisations and related health services funding included a reduction of $1 million to the medical health research fund; that is, from $5 million to $4 million in the 2003-04 financial year. (3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
(3) Waiting lists for allied health services vary considerably around the State. Although this information will take some time to collate, I will ensure it occurs and will table it in the House. The information I have shows that in the disciplines the member has cited, in most areas the waiting times are vastly lower than those mentioned in the question. In the State Child Development Centre, I am advised that referrals generally come through an intake process and are usually seen the following week. There are also some direct referrals. Waiting times for these cases include: occupational therapy, between three and four months; speech pathology, between four and eight months; physiotherapy, between two and three months; and complex assessments, which involve a variety of disciplines, can take between two and three months. As I have indicated on previous occasions, the Government needs to make sure that money is available to spend on priority areas in the health system. As in the first example I cited today of the State Child Development Centre, if the Government can take out money from administration without affecting the clinical services that are offered to these children, it will do it so that money can be put into areas of greater need.
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