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Senator Patterson Pays Tribute to Hospital Staff

The victims of the tragic bombing in Bali are receiving world class treatment in Australia's public hospital system.

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22 October 2002

Senator Patterson Pays Tribute to Hospital Staff

The victims of the tragic bombing in Bali are receiving world class treatment in Australia's public hospital system.

"I have visited The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, Royal Darwin, Royal Perth and the Sir Charles Gairdner hospitals, and I have met with staff from Princess Margaret and Fremantle Hospitals, and I have seen first hand the magnificent work of hospital staff in treating the victims of the Bali bombing. Today I am visiting Royal Adelaide Hospital.

"It has been a sobering experience and I want to pay tribute to the doctors, nurses and support staff involved.

"They have worked incredibly hard at this very difficult time and it is times like these that make us all realise what a wonderful health system we have," Senator Patterson said.

The Federal Government has announced that it will meet the medical expenses of victims so they are not out of pocket.

Australian hospitals are also treating non-Australian victims of this tragedy and we are providing emergency assistance to health services in Indonesia.

I would like to confirm that non-Australians involved in the Bali tragedy that are being treated in our public hospitals are receiving free treatment.

"Once again, I would like to commend the hospitals and their staff who have responded magnificently under these very difficult circumstances. All Australians should be very proud of their efforts," Senator Patterson said.

Media Contact: Randal Markey, Media Adviser, 0417 694 520