A community controlled health organisation failed “at the most basic level” to implement policies to ensure the safety of its staff, an inquest into the death of murdered outback nurse Gayle Woodford has heard.

In final submissions on Wednesday, counsel assisting Ahura Kalali said SA’s Nganampa Health Council, that employed Ms Woodford, had placed the welfare of the community ahead of the safety of its workers.

“It is sobering that the state government had to pass a law (now known as Gayle’s law) to ensure the safety of health practitioners working in remote areas,” Mr Kalali said.

He said while police resources and response times remained an issue on SA’s remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, no criticism could be directed at the force in relation to Ms Woodford’s death.