Hon Martin Aldridge asks about snake bite presentations, antivenin availability and costs at Silver Chain Remote Area Service Centres. The response indicates data collection gaps and cost responsibilities.

AnsweredQoN 2655Legislative Council
Asked
30 October 2019
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to Silver Chain Remote Area Service Centre's, and I ask: (a) how many patients have presented with suspected snake bites in the past five years in
regional Western Australia, by site; (b) which antivenin is ordinarily available at each site; (c) how does the WA Country Health Service or the Department of Health who administers the relevant contract assist Silver Chain to meet the high cost of antivenin; and (d) does the Western Australian Therapeutics Advisory Group (WATAG) recommend antivenin stocking levels at these sites?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
4 December 2019
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health
Response time
11 days
I am advised:
(a) The Department of Health does not routinely collect information regarding suspected snake bites from Silver Chain nursing posts and is therefore unable to provide an answer to this question.
(b) Shark Bay
Lancelin
(c) In 2018, WA Country Health Service (WACHS) initially issued Anti-Venin to Silver Chain. Under current contractual obligations, Silver Chain is responsible for the ongoing costs associated with the provision/replacement of Anti-Venin.
(d) Yes, at Shark Bay and Lancelin Nursing Posts.

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