27 June 2008

Special Commission of Inquiry - Extension

The reporting date for the Special Commission of Inquiry into the delivery of acute care services within the NSW public health system has been extended until 28 November.

Commissioner Peter Garling was originally scheduled to report to the Governor of NSW by 31 July.

NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher said the Governor had now formally granted the extension following a request from the Special Commissioner.

"Commissioner Garling has undertaken an extensive program of forums and meetings with health care professionals, patients and interested community members since his appointment in late January," Ms Meagher said.

"In those five months he has held 35 public hearings, heard from almost 500 witnesses and visited more than 50 hospitals and health care facilities.

"I understand he has also received a large number of submissions in addition to material that he has requested.

"As a result of the extensive volume of material to be analysed and the further meetings being planned, the Commissioner sought an extension of time to complete his report and recommendations, and that has been granted."

The Special Commission of Inquiry was established to provide a comprehensive, independent examination of the delivery of acute care in public hospitals in NSW.

Ms Meagher said she was looking forward to receiving the Commissioner's report and recommendations at the end of November.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au