❓ Mr. Grylls questions the Minister for Health regarding the care of Joan Lethlean, an 85-year-old woman who waited two days for femur surgery. The Minister defends the care provided, stating she received intravenous hydration and nourishment, but acknowledges the need for improved communication.
AnsweredQoN 369Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
JOAN LETHLEAN - MEDICAL CARE
I have a supplementary question; however, before I ask it I seek leave to table the letter from the family that outlines the detail of these unfortunate circumstances. Does the minister agree with Mrs Lethlean’s grandson’s statement that 85-year-old ladies should not have to wait for two days without substantial food and water for an operation on a broken femur? Mr J.A. McGINTY
I have a supplementary question; however, before I ask it I seek leave to table the letter from the family that outlines the detail of these unfortunate circumstances. Does the minister agree with Mrs Lethlean’s grandson’s statement that 85-year-old ladies should not have to wait for two days without substantial food and water for an operation on a broken femur? Mr J.A. McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
I have explained that Mrs Lethlean was not left without hydration or nourishment, because she was receiving them intravenously. Therefore, the answer to the question is, no. I accept that the hospital must communicate better. It has undertaken to do that. I hope, with greater efficiencies in the hospital, that we will not be left with a situation in which, for a day, surgery is cancelled. In incidents like this, particularly with an 85-year-old, now 86-year-old, special attention should be paid to the patient’s particular needs. The SPEAKER : The letter that the Leader of the National Party mentioned will remain on the table for the balance of this day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I have explained that Mrs Lethlean was not left without hydration or nourishment, because she was receiving them intravenously. Therefore, the answer to the question is, no. I accept that the hospital must communicate better. It has undertaken to do that. I hope, with greater efficiencies in the hospital, that we will not be left with a situation in which, for a day, surgery is cancelled. In incidents like this, particularly with an 85-year-old, now 86-year-old, special attention should be paid to the patient’s particular needs. The SPEAKER : The letter that the Leader of the National Party mentioned will remain on the table for the balance of this day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
I have explained that Mrs Lethlean was not left without hydration or nourishment, because she was receiving them intravenously. Therefore, the answer to the question is, no. I accept that the hospital must communicate better. It has undertaken to do that. I hope, with greater efficiencies in the hospital, that we will not be left with a situation in which, for a day, surgery is cancelled. In incidents like this, particularly with an 85-year-old, now 86-year-old, special attention should be paid to the patient’s particular needs. The SPEAKER : The letter that the Leader of the National Party mentioned will remain on the table for the balance of this day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
The SPEAKER : The letter that the Leader of the National Party mentioned will remain on the table for the balance of this day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
[The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I have explained that Mrs Lethlean was not left without hydration or nourishment, because she was receiving them intravenously. Therefore, the answer to the question is, no. I accept that the hospital must communicate better. It has undertaken to do that. I hope, with greater efficiencies in the hospital, that we will not be left with a situation in which, for a day, surgery is cancelled. In incidents like this, particularly with an 85-year-old, now 86-year-old, special attention should be paid to the patient’s particular needs. The SPEAKER : The letter that the Leader of the National Party mentioned will remain on the table for the balance of this day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
I have explained that Mrs Lethlean was not left without hydration or nourishment, because she was receiving them intravenously. Therefore, the answer to the question is, no. I accept that the hospital must communicate better. It has undertaken to do that. I hope, with greater efficiencies in the hospital, that we will not be left with a situation in which, for a day, surgery is cancelled. In incidents like this, particularly with an 85-year-old, now 86-year-old, special attention should be paid to the patient’s particular needs. The SPEAKER : The letter that the Leader of the National Party mentioned will remain on the table for the balance of this day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
The SPEAKER : The letter that the Leader of the National Party mentioned will remain on the table for the balance of this day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
[The paper was tabled for the information of members.]
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