$11.8m emergency department at Mount Barker Hospital given the green light

Construction is set to start later this year on a new $11.8 million emergency department at Mount Barker Hospital. See the plans.

Patient care at Mount Barker Hospital is set for a major shake-up.

South Australia’s Public Works Committee has approved plans for the construction of a new emergency department with work approved to commence in October.

The $11.8 million development will be constructed at the rear of the hospital and add to a new renal unit which opened at the site in July 2019.

The redevelopment will quadruple the number of patient treatment bays from four to 15, including two resuscitation bays to meet projected clinical services demand.

It will also provide a new negative-pressure treatment bay to enable safe isolation of patients presenting with infectious diseases.

Improvements will also be made to the ambulance arrivals zone and the patient waiting and reception area.

A concept image of the new Mount Barker emergency department. Source: Supplied

A plan showing where the new emergency department will be located. Source: Supplied

Dedicated ED staff will also be provided with new breakout and respite areas, as well as offices for administrative and back-of-house functions.

Kavel MP Dan Cregan said the Mount Barker emergency department redevelopment was an important milestone for the region.

“This is an important investment for our community and one that I have been advocating for since being elected in 2018,” he said.

“With the projected growth in our community we need to continue to invest for the future. “Over the last three years, we have funded the 24 hour doctor service, funded a new renal service and increased funding for paediatric services among other important service improvements.”

According to a report by the works committee, demand for clinical services has increased rapidly within the Mount Barker catchment area.

Presentations to the ED increased from 4984 in 2015/16 to 15,046 in 2018/19.

Modelling suggests ED presentations will exceed 21,000 by 2031/32.

“Upon completion of the new ED construction works and associated clinical commissioning in late 2022, the clinical services will transition from the old ED to the new facilities,” the report reads.

“The vacated, existing ED will subsequently be decommissioned with the intention to refurbish the space for other clinical functions once further planning … is completed.”