SOUTH Australia’s health minister has rejected calls to extend a deadline for feedback on proposed hospital changes.
ADELAIDE’S Repatriation General Hospital would be closed and emergency departments at three hospitals would become “super-sites” under the Labor government’s proposals.
Queen Elizabeth and Modbury hospitals would no longer treat emergency patients, while Noarlunga Hospital’s emergency department would be replaced by a nurse-run walk-in clinic. The Liberal opposition and some doctors have rallied against the proposed changes, warning that the closure of emergency departments could compromise patient safety. Public feedback on the changes is due by Friday but the opposition have called for more time. Health Minister Jack Snelling says the government has received more than 1000 submissions on the proposals and doesn’t intend to extend its deadline. “This is something that only recently dawned upon the leader of the opposition as being important to South Australia,” he told parliament on Tuesday. “I think if 1000 people can provide submissions, surely the Liberal Party can by this Friday.” Opposition spokesman Stephen Wade said the government had provided no information on how the proposed changes would affect patient flows and health sector jobs. “We are in the dangerous situation where the Weatherill government seems to be trying to bank the benefits while being blind to the risks,” he said.