Thursday, 20 February 2025

North-Eastern Metropolitan Region

Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:38): (1398) My constituency question is in respect to the Minister for Health, and it concerns the closure of the colorectal and pelvic reconstruction service at the Royal Children’s Hospital. In particular I would like to raise the case of young Tara. Tara had the benefit of the services at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and her mother has shared her story with me. I will quote from Tara’s mother. She talked of the unit and the service they have provided to Tara directly. She said:

The doctors saved my daughter’s life a couple of times.

However, despite the main unfortunate events, the nursing and allied health team was our lifeline during this period, providing us with support that helped us grasp the medical details of the disease and guiding us through each step of our daughter’s treatment.

Hirschsprung disease is a disease that affects many children in this state. The service provided at the Royal Children’s Hospital is world-class, and I ask the minister to step in and intervene to ensure that that unit continues and is fully funded to do its amazing work with our children.

The PRESIDENT: Mr McGowan, can I just check with you – and I am not undermining the issue – the hospital does not necessarily fall inside the electorate, but this is a constituent that has been assisted?

Nick McGowan: Both Tara and her mother are constituents of the electorate, yes.

The PRESIDENT: Thanks. I just wanted to get that on record.