Royal North Shore Hospital Inquiry

Mrs JILLIAN SKINNER: My question is directed to the Minister for Health. With the account of Jana Hoska's miscarriage in a Royal North Shore Hospital toilet prompting a large number of patients and nurses to speak out about repeated incidents at the hospital—not just related to miscarriages—will the Minister now agree to an open, independent inquiry with broad terms of reference to investigate the systemic problems at the Royal North Shore Hospital?

Ms REBA MEAGHER: As I stated, the director general has authorised Professors Walters and Hughes to conduct an inquiry under section 122 of the Health Services Act, which establishes quite broad-ranging powers for those who have been appointed—Professors Walters and Hughes. As authorised officers those professors have powers, under section 125 of the Act, that include being able to enter the hospital, make such examination or inquiry that they think necessary; remove or make copies of records or other documents; and require any person to answer questions. The health department expects that all staff will fully cooperate with the inquiry, including by answering questions—

Mrs Jillian Skinner: Point of order: The terms of reference the Minister tabled here yesterday quite clearly spell out that this inquiry is limited to people who have had miscarriages. The Minister is not answering the question about a broad, open inquiry, independently conducted. She is talking about the terms of reference, which are too narrow.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister's answer is relevant to the question asked. She may continue.

Ms REBA MEAGHER: As the Deputy Leader of the Opposition well knows, there is a standing inquiry into health in New South Wales. It is called the Health Care Complaints Commission. This body has broad-ranging powers that were reinvigorated after the Walker inquiry into Campbelltown and Camden hospitals. As I said at the start of question time, if the member opposite has any particular concerns in relation to cases—

Mrs Jillian Skinner: They are writing to me, I have correspondence.

Ms REBA MEAGHER: Well, Jillian, do not keep that information to yourself. That would be an abrogation of your responsibility.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will cease interjecting. The Minister will direct her comments through the Chair.

Ms REBA MEAGHER: I urge the member to take her information and initiate inquiries at the Health Care Complaints Commission.