Minister announces terms of reference, timing for review of St John Ambulance

An independent review into the safety and quality of the St John Ambulance (SJA) service will report to the State Government within three months, Health Minister Kim Hames announced today.

Mr Greg Joyce, former director-general of the Department of Housing and Works, will conduct the review into the safety and quality of SJA, which will be overseen by the Department of Health's chief medical officer, Dr Simon Towler.

"Mr Joyce is an excellent choice to undertake this work.  He had been the previous government's selection to lead a review of road ambulance services in Western Australia they had proposed last year," Dr Hames said.

"He also has extensive experience from leading the high-level team charged with overseeing the implementation of recommendations arising from the 'Inquiry into the Management of Offenders in Custody and in the Community' conducted by the Hon Justice Mahoney."

Dr Towler will use his medical experience to assist with providing advice on the clinical aspects of the review, particularly the review of the cases outlined in the ABC Four Corners television program of July 6, 2009 and SJA's clinical governance system.

"I do wish to reassure the community about the safety and quality of the SJA service, and have great faith in the paramedics and the overall team working there," the Minister said.

"It is important that we investigate the claims being made and that is why I have set up this independent review process to identify any areas of change required. 

"An important part of the review will be comparing SJA's practices with what is occurring in other States and Territories.

"I am confident that at the end of the three-month period, the Government will have a clear picture of any improvements required of the existing service. 

"Should improvements be needed, the State Government will ensure SJA takes immediate steps to implement the required changes. 

"We have also committed to releasing as much of the review's report as patient confidentiality will allow."

Dr Hames said negotiations for a new five-year contract with SJA would not be finalised until the Government had considered the review and any identified issues.

Minister's office - 9222 8788

St John Ambulance - WA Ambulance Service Inc. Inquiry

Terms of Reference

The inquiry team will prepare a report for consideration by the Minister for Health that includes recommendations to enhance and improve emergency ambulance services in Western Australia.

The inquiry will:

·         Investigate all reported critical incidents and the four patient deaths specifically referred to in the ABC Four Corners television program of Monday July 6, 2009.  The incidents will be separately evaluated with regard to metropolitan and rural services.

·         Investigate the performance and management of the St John Ambulance - WA Ambulance Service Inc communication centre.  Consideration will be given to staffing, training, staff performance, prioritisation of calls and the use of procedures, clinical protocols, guidelines and decision support tools.

·         Determine the adequacy and effectiveness of current clinical governance programs, including their timeliness and whether appropriate recommendations have been developed and acted upon.  

·         Assess the consumer complaint management system and its ability to develop and act upon outcomes

·         Advise the Minister of any matters revealed during the investigation which warrant further assessment.

The inquiry will, wherever possible, benchmark the St John Ambulance - WA Ambulance Service Inc to similar services in other jurisdictions within Australia.

Given the unique nature of the St John Ambulance - WA Ambulance Service Inc emergency ambulance services, independent experts may be engaged to assist with the inquiry.