NSW: Inquiry into health system extended by 4 months

Health Minister Reba Meagher said the inquiry into acute care services will now be extended till November 28.

Commissioner Peter Garling SC was to report back by July 31.

"Commissioner Garling has undertaken an extensive program of forums and meetings with health care professionals, patients and interested community members since his appointment in late January," Meagher said in a statement.

"I understand he has also received a large number of submissions in addition to the material that he has requested.

"As a result of the extensive volume of material to be analysed and the further meetings being planned, the commissioner sought an extension of time to complete his report and recommendations, and that has been granted."

The commission was established following the scathing findings of a NSW coroner's investigation into the death of 16-year-old Vanessa Anderson.

Vanessa died two days after she was admitted to Royal North Shore Hospital with a skull fracture after having been hit with a golf ball in November 2005.