The South Australian Government has announced immediate action will start to implement reforms recommended in Dr Mark Monaghan’s report on Emergency Department care.

 

The Government’s first move will be to appoint a clinical leader to oversee state-wide reforn, while leaders will also be nominated by staff at the state’s major hospitals to redesign access to emergency care where necessary.

 

SA Health accepted all 52 recommendations in principle contained within Dr Monaghan’s review of hospital performance, with State Minister for Health John Hill saying the report provides a clear action plan that will make a major difference for staff and patients within months.

 

“Dr Monaghan recommends that the clinical staff and management at FMC can use the whole hospital’s capacity more effectively, stating that ‘..there appear to be fundamental process issues rather anoverall deficit of available bed stock,’ Mr Hill said.

 

“Dr Monaghan is clear in his report that there are site-specific changes that can - and must - be made to improve the transfer of patients all the way from admission to discharge.

 

“We will consult with doctors, nurses, ambulance officers and their union on turning these recommendations into action and I urge everyone to read this report, consider how it applies to their discipline and work together in the best interests of patients,” Mr Hill said.