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 (4) patient deaths specifically referred to in the ABC Four Corners television program of Monday 6 July 2009. The incidents will be separately evaluated with regard to metropolitan and rural services. Provide a mechanism for the workforce to report other critical incidents which have not yet been reported or sufficiently investigated, and review them.
- Investigate the performance and management of the St John Ambulance – WA Ambulance Service Inc. communication centre.
- Consider 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. Compare the service’s current clinical governance systems with the clinical review systems utilised in ambulance services in other jurisdictions within Australia.
- 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.