Published on May 16, 2022
The South Coast District Hospital has been servicing the local community for nearly 100 years and must be invested in for the future generations of the Fleurieu. This regional hospital is about ensuring that local people of all ages can get the health care and treatment they need closer to home in a 21st-century facility. Quality health care should be available to all South Australians no matter where they live or their age.
Careful assessment of emergency services and medical facilities servicing Victor Harbor area, revealed that the shortages and pressure points can be alleviated by an increase and upgrading of emergency department beds. The previous Liberal Government identified this and commenced a site development plan, tender process and committed funding to implement phase one in 2021-2022, with completion in 2023.
“I urge the State Labor Government to continue with the former Liberal Government's commitment to build a new Emergency Department and Renal Dialysis Unit at the South Coast District Hospital in Victor Harbor.”
The previous Liberal Government, committed to the construction of a new Emergency Department to increase treatment spaces from the current six to a total of fourteen. On completion of the new Emergency Department, the existing Emergency Department is to be converted into a new Renal Dialysis Unit. The Morrison Government committed $8.4 million in April 2019 and a further $5.12 million in May 2021 to complete the new Emergency Department and Renal Dialysis Unit.
Mr Basham raised concerns after the recent announcement by the Malinauskas Government to rebuild the Victor Harbor Ambulance Station to accommodate an extra 24/7 emergency 12-paramedic crew to be in place from 2024 and also have a 24/7 emergency coverage with a new paramedic crew based in Goolwa from 2025.
“It is important the Malinauskas Government commit to investing in the South Coast District Hospital rather than just the ambulance service which will only lead to more patients being transferred to Adelaide Hospitals for treatment.” Said Mr Basham.
“Recent comments concerning investments into Emergency departments in southern suburbs is leaving me concerned about the Malinauskas Government’s commitment to these projects.”
Another pressure point, that Mr Basham would like to see the Malinauskas’ Government address, is how they intend to restore pediatric patient admissions to the South Coast District Hospital. In 2015, the Labor Government removed local General Practitioners (GPs) from consulting in the South Coast District Hospital and replaced them with staff doctors. This left the hospital without the skills required and children can not be admitted to the hospital.
“Quality health care should be available to all South Australians no matter where they live or their age. “
“As the local MP, I will be working to make sure the health needs of the community are delivered, and I have brought these issues to the attention of Minister Picton.
Media information: Catherine Jamieson 08 8552 2152
