Greens confident of support for Medical Retrieval Unit Inquiry

[Mithra Cox]

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MEDIA RELEASE 
31 May 2004


Greens confident of support for Medical Retrieval Unit Inquiry


The Greens are confident of gaining support this week for an inquiry into the medical retrieval unit on the South Coast, Greens MP and health spokesperson Sylvia Hale said today.

"I have had indications from opposition and from cross bench members on the necessary committee that they will be supporting the Greens initiated inquiry," Ms Hale said.

"The Greens have circulated proposed terms of reference to the opposition and key members of the committee as well as to the South Coast Labour Council.

"Opposition MPs have publicly supported the need for an inquiry in the media, and have assured me that the Greens proposed terms of reference are under consideration.

"It is difficult to see that the opposition and other MPs could refuse to support the inquiry, when there are people's lives at stake," Ms Hale said.

The terms of reference proposed by the Greens are that General Purpose Standing Committee No 2 enquire into and report on; 

·  The management and procedures of the Sydney-based Medical Retrieval Unit for the coordination and deployment of aero-medical retrieval services in NSW, with particular reference to the impact of those procedures on the management of emergency helicopter responses and medical retrieval in the Illawarra and in South Eastern NSW, including;
·  recent incidents in the Illawarra and Southern NSW, including those referred to in the report of the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, 'Aero-medical Tasking Review', March 2004;
·  the adequacy of the current system of aero-medical retrieval services; 
·  the range of medical, nursing, clinical and other skills desirable and necessary; 
·  any resource issues, specifically including the capacity and training of appropriate personnel to attend difficult-to-access emergencies throughout NSW.
·  The ways to address any needs unique to the Illawarra and Southern NSW region; and
·  any other relevant matters. 

The committee is expected to consider the terms of reference this week.


For more information: Mithra Cox 0425 351 844




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