State government reveal concept images for major health spend after reversing controversial radiation treatment decision
The state government has revealed concept designs for the revamped Mount Gambier Hospital, as they announce a decision to reverse a controversial decision. See the plans.
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Concept images for the Mount Gambier District Health Service’s $24 million upgrades have been released with construction on the designs expected to begin next year.
The works will see an $11.4m spend on six new mental health unit beds, $8m for upgrades to the emergency department and a further $4.6m for two drug and alcohol detox beds.
Health Minister Chris Picton spoke at a press conference in Mount Gambier spruiking the government's commitment to fulfilling an election promise.
“We were able to commit at the election to this additional funding because we cancelled plans under the former government,” he said.
“We know the demand on emergency department, mental health and substance abuse services in Mount Gambier are growing, and hence we are delivering on our commitment to expand these important areas.”
Minister Picton said the two drug and alcohol detox beds would be the first detox beds outside of metropolitan Adelaide.
“This is an idea that was raised originally by the Limestone Coast Action Network in relation to drugs and alcohol,” Mr Picton said.
A spokesman for Minister Picton confirmed six new community drug and alcohol beds would be brought to the region opposed to the initially promised four, while maintaining the budgeted $3.5m spend.
Independent member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said he was “delighted” about the coming upgrades and what it could mean for the region.
The announcement comes as the state government once again pressed paused on spending $4.3m federal money — that had initially been earmarked for the creation of regional radiation treatment.
South-East residents have been fiercely campaigning for the regional service — taking a 16,000 strong petition to parliament in the hopes of bringing the service to the region.
Residents had previously been left fuming over the decision to divert the federal funds, with cancer patients requiring radiation treatment needing to choose between a four-hour round trip to Warrnambool or five-hour trip to Adelaide.
The government had previously committed to spending the money on an “Integrated Cancer Consult Suite”, but reversed the decision following mounting community pressure and talks with the Limestone Coast Health Network.
Works on the consult suite was due to begin in early 2024.
Instead, Mr Picton told the media Cancer Care Centre upgrades for Mount Gambier and the surrounding region would not be tendered until the feasibility study for radiation therapy services in the region is complete.
“So we'll see that feasibility study report — before we can go in terms of signing works with builders,” he said.
The tender for the independent feasibility study will be released in the coming weeks. However, it is not clear on when the study will begin nor how long it will take to complete.
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