Media Release
26 July 2017
Tamara Smith, MP for Ballina today welcomed news from the Public Accounts Committee that it would be extending its deadline for public submissions on its health care inquiry to 31 July 2017.
“I was pleased to receive a letter from the chair of the Public Accounts Committee stating that the Management of Health Care Services in NSW Inquiry will extend its deadline from the end of this month until the end of July, to enable more people in the Northern Rivers Region to make submissions,” said Ms Smith.
“This is in large part due to the public and media attention around the case of Miriam Mertens at Lismore Base Hospital, and the news that her treatment would be considered as part of this Inquiry instead of as a separate Inquiry.”
“Members of the public or organisations who are concerned about the funding and resourcing of mental health services in this region can make a submission via email or the website and they can request a confidential submission if they do not wish their name to be used.”
“If systemic abuse of mental health patients is occurring, or if resourcing of mental health services are lacking, this needs to be brought to light and dealt with,” said Ms Smith.
Written submissions close on 31 July 2017. Submissions can be made by emailing [email protected] or visiting the Inquiry website
The inquiry terms of reference are as follows:
a) The current performance reporting framework for monitoring the effectiveness and
efficiency of health care service delivery in NSW;
b) The extent to which efficiency and effectiveness is sustained through rigorous data
collection, monitoring and reporting;
c) The adequacy of the provision of timely, accurate and transparent performance information
to patients, clients, health providers and health system managers;
d) The extent to which the current framework drives improvements in the health care delivery
system and achieves broader health system objectives;
e) Any other related matters.