The Taskforce was asked to help Country Health SA to assess the submissions received during the consultation on the health plan, and to prepare a response to the government based on this feedback.

John Hill, the State Health Minister, tabled the paper in parliament last week.

“This work provides the government with an important framework for further improving country health services,” he said.

Mr Hill said many elements of the plan had been supported.

But John Dawkins, Legislative Council member, who spoke out about the plan in parliament last week, was one who might not agree with the minister.

“There has been a lot of controversy, as we know, about the government’s country health plan, which I think was very poorly consulted and not well thought through at all,” Mr Dawkins said.

Country Health SA will now begin drafting a revised health plan, using the recommendations made by the taskforce.

This revised edition will also be released for public consultation.

The Rural Doctors Association of South Australia has welcomed the recommendations made on the future of rural hospitals and health services.

The doctors association was pleased to see the taskforce emphasise that...

“(The rural health) workforce is the most valuable asset and the ability to provide safe and quality health services to rural and remote communities.”

Steve Holmes, the association president, said the taskforce recommendations set the scene for the development of a future plan, based on significantly great consultation.

Dr Holmes welcomed the taskforce statement that “the role of hospitals in country communities is significantly greater than just as a service provider”.