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❓ Question on Notice regarding the number of patients assessed at Karratha Health Campus due to chemical exposure from Yara fertiliser plants over the past three years. The answer indicates 23 patients presented citing ammonia exposure, but location of exposure is not specified in medical records.

AnsweredQoN 4261Legislative Council

Asked

16 August 2016

Member

Hon Robin Chapple

Portfolio

Health

QuestionView source ↗

With reference to the operations of the Karratha Health Campus, how many patients have been assessed by the emergency department as a result of chemical exposure at: (a) the Yara Fertiliser Plant over the last three years; (b) the Yara Technical Ammonia Plant over the last three years; (c) on what dates did these assessments occur; (d) how many of the patients in (a) or (b) were assessed at the same time associated with the same incident; (e) what was the nature of chemical exposure in each case; (f) were all of the patients given the all clear to return to work immediately; and (g) if no to (f), what was the reason that the patient could not return to work?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

13 September 2016

Responded by

Minister for Planning representing the Minister for Health

Response time

28 days

(a-b) For the period 1 January 2013 to 16 August 2016, a total of 23 patients presented to Nickol Bay Hospital citing ammonia exposure. Medical records for all 23 patients have been reviewed and in all cases there is no indication as to the exact location of their chemical exposure. It is noted that one of the patients stated “ammonia exposure from fertilizer plant”.
(c-g) [see tabled paper no.]

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