Adelaide Repat could house private elective surgeries, dialysis treatment once COVID-19 crisis is over
The Repat Health Precinct is being upgraded to help SA combat coronavirus. But the State Government has revealed what the facility could be used for once the crisis is over – and it’s good news for patients.
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Private elective surgeries, patient transition care and new dialysis treatment facilities would be launched under official plans if the Repat precinct is not needed to help fight coronavirus.
The State Government is spending $6.5 million for a 90-bed coronavirus unit after an upgrade of former clinical wards at the Repat Health Precinct.
But on Tuesday, as it was announced that final touches were being made on the upgrade ahead of its completion next month, SA Health revealed how the COVID-19 facility could be used once the pandemic was over.
Among the proposals being considered include operating elective surgeries, “transition care” – a bridge between hospital care and returning to the community – or National Disability Insurance Scheme supported accommodation for dialysis patients.
Speaking as he toured the southern suburbs site, Health Minister Stephen Wade said the “significant investment” was akin to insurance.
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“I think it is important to know that COVID-19 is new and it is unpredictable,” he said.
“It has been great that a site that was built to look after people who were coming out of the last (world) war is now being used as part of an asset in the next war – the war against coronavirus.
“You don’t complain when you don’t have to use insurance but you certainly want to make sure it is there if you do.
“That is what we are doing with these facilities.”
SA Health’s infrastructure executive director, Brendan Hewitt, said the facility had new ceilings and airconditioning, as well as a paint job.
“It is a good opportunity but one we hope we don’t need to take,” he said.
The Repat facility is expected to be completed within four weeks.
A further 188 beds will be used at ECH College Grove, Walkerville and the city-based Wakefield Hospitals.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE UPGRADED REPAT: