Thousands of South Australians will benefit from better healthcare, closer to home, through a $42.8 million infrastructure stimulus package which will trigger a series of job-creating projects throughout the state.
The $42.8 million package includes a new $6 million step-down unit to care for brain and spinal patients at the Marshall Liberal Government's reactivated Repat, a landmark expansion of the Gawler Hospital Emergency department, an extra $10 million for shovel-ready regional health infrastructure works and a series of other projects for rural South Australia.
Premier Steven Marshall said this $42.8 million funding package is part of the Liberal Government's plan to build what matters in communities and create jobs for South Australians.
"This funding boost will kickstart a range of important health projects for local communities and create hundreds of jobs at a time when we need them most," said Premier Steven Marshall.
"It will further bolster South Australia's already world-leading health capabilities which have stood strong during the global COVID-19 pandemic and will deliver better services for South Australians.
"We are committed to keeping South Australia safe and strong. We will continue to do this by creating jobs, backing business and building what matters."
The Marshall Liberal Government will also launch an expansion of Gawler Hospital ED, which will increase its capacity by fourfold.
The new brain and spinal facility will complement the Repat's new 48-bed Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation facility which provides a modern environment for a patient and family centred service, with the exercise physiology and sports gymnasium designed specifically to complement rehabilitation services.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the new projects would benefit thousands of South Australians.
"These projects will improve the lives of many and I'm proud to be a part of a Government determined to deliver better healthcare for all South Australians," Minister Wade said.
"Funding boosts for healthcare projects in Gawler, Strathalbyn, Port Augusta and an extra $10 million for shovel ready projects throughout the regions reaffirms the Marshall Liberal Government's commitment to country South Australia.
"And in the city, the Government has embarked on a landmark health infrastructure spend which is expanding the emergency department of major hospitals in the north, south, east and west as we finalise plans for a new world-class Women's and Children's Hospital in the heart of the CBD near the RAH."
"After 16 years of neglect under the previous Labor Government South Australians now have a Government that is committed to delivering world-class healthcare."
The package includes:
- A NEW $4.3 millionambulance station at Port Augusta
- A $4 MILLIONboost for Strathalbyn Aged Care Lifestyle facilities to further support the the soon-to-be constructed facility
- COMPLETIONof the Kalimna Hostel redevelopment for use as a community health facility (additional $2 million; total of $3 million)
- A $15 MILLIONexpansion of the Gawler Hospital emergency department
- LIFTupgrades at Modbury Hospital ($1.5 million)
- $10 MILLIONboost for regional health sustainability works including country hospitals
- $6 MILLION to build a new ward at the Repat and develop a model of care that supports patients with brain and spinal injuries to transition from rehabilitation to the community
