RAH sleep services unit could be outsourced as health officials launch a review of costs

SERIOUS concerns have been raised over the possible outsourcing of part of the sleep services unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, which union officials say would be a broken election promise.

CONCERNS have been raised over the possible privatisation of part of the sleep services unit at the $2.4 billion Royal Adelaide Hospital, which union officials say would be a broken election promise.

The service supports people suffering with sleep issues including sleep apnoea as well as stroke and respiratory victims.

The laboratory moved to the new hospital but the overnight service — where people are monitored while they sleep — was not funded in the shift.

Professionals Australia, which represents medical scientists and technical officers, wants the funding, which SA director Sarah Andrews says was a Liberal Party election commitment.

Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) chief executive Jenny Richter has written to the union saying she has asked consultants Carramar to review the service, including costs and revenue, and consider options for an overnight service.

These include farming it out to the northern Adelaide region; to an expanded unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital; funding it at the RAH; or “reduce the volume with some services provided on an outsourced basis to the private sector”.

Ms Andrews said the complete transfer and reopening of the Sleep Laboratory at the RAH is “essential for the health of South Australians”.

“We’re simply asking the Government to stick to its election promise not to privatise this essential service,” Ms Andrews said.

“When open, the Sleep Laboratory conducted 75 attended sleep studies per month. The wait time for some patients is now in excess of a year.”

President of the salaried doctors union (SASMOA) Dr Laura Willington said the move would put patients at risk.

“We are extremely concerned about the threat to the Sleep Lab at the RAH, which will have far-reaching impacts on medical officers to provide the full range of care and treatment necessary to protect the patient’s safety and that of the public,” she said.

“While the reopening is delayed and the clinical advice of doctors, nurses and scientists is ignored, the high priority patient list — which is currently in excess of 60 people — continues to grow, creating real risk to these patients and the public.”

Australian Medical Association SA president Dr William Tam said: “After over two years of promises and talks, SA Health is yet to provide a Sleep Laboratory at the new RAH — this is most disappointing, the mistakes of Transforming Health look like continuing if clinicians’ advice is ignored.”

The privatisation option comes as CALHN is trying to rein in a $250 million blowout.

Ms Richter’s letter said the consultant’s report is due by the end of this month.

“Once the report has been received, further discussions will be held with all interested parties prior to a final decision being made,” it states.

Health Stephen Wade said no decision had been made on the future of inpatient sleep services.

“The new RAH was not designed to include inpatient sleep services despite having been provided at the old RAH. The lack of inpatient sleep services at the RAH is yet another design flaw in the new hospital,” Mr Wade said.

“It is critical that clinicians have input into the preparation of the report commissioned by CALHN. Clinicians will also have access to the final report, including the data underpinning it.”