The question concerns the management of births for women in labour in remote areas, specifically 555km from Derby. The Premier's answer acknowledges difficulties in attracting medical professionals to remote areas, highlighting the existing hospital in Halls Creek as a positive.

AnsweredQoN 117Legislative Assembly
Asked
6 April 2006
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

HALLS CREEK HOSPITAL - BIRTHING SUITE
I have a supplementary question. What does the community do in situations in which women in labour are 555 kilometres from Derby? Mr A.J. CARPENTER

AnswerView source ↗

The member who asked the question is a doctor; I am not. We have difficulties, as the member representing the electorate of Roe will appreciate, getting medical specialists or even doctors to go to the far-flung corners of the state. The fact that a hospital of this quality is available in Halls Creek is something to be proud of and a reason to say “well done”. Obviously, because of the size of Western Australia, there are always difficulties with the distances that some people have to travel for some forms of medical treatment. It is better that the community at Halls Creek has a good hospital than the lack of facilities under the previous regime.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: The member who asked the question is a doctor; I am not. We have difficulties, as the member representing the electorate of Roe will appreciate, getting medical specialists or even doctors to go to the far-flung corners of the state. The fact that a hospital of this quality is available in Halls Creek is something to be proud of and a reason to say “well done”. Obviously, because of the size of Western Australia, there are always difficulties with the distances that some people have to travel for some forms of medical treatment. It is better that the community at Halls Creek has a good hospital than the lack of facilities under the previous regime.
The member who asked the question is a doctor; I am not. We have difficulties, as the member representing the electorate of Roe will appreciate, getting medical specialists or even doctors to go to the far-flung corners of the state. The fact that a hospital of this quality is available in Halls Creek is something to be proud of and a reason to say “well done”. Obviously, because of the size of Western Australia, there are always difficulties with the distances that some people have to travel for some forms of medical treatment. It is better that the community at Halls Creek has a good hospital than the lack of facilities under the previous regime.

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