The McLaren Vale and Districts War Memorial Hospital announces closure

A hospital in Adelaide's south is set to close its doors, with a letter to staff detailing the board did “all it could” to keep the site going.

A southern community has been left reeling after news their local hospital will close its doors at the end of the financial year.

In a letter addressed to its staff, the board of the McLaren Vale and Districts War Memorial Hospital said no more could be done, with all roads to retain the site having already been explored.

The letter which was posted online, early Monday morning. Pic: Facebook

“After much deliberation and exploring every option, the board has come to a final decision that the hospital is not longer viable and cannot remain open. We are working towards a managed closure on June 30, 2023,” the letter stated.

“The board is currently negotiating with not for profit aged care provider Kalyra on a merger to support provision of aged care services on site.

“We know this news will not be surprising but will still be upsetting and disappointing.

“We are grateful for the state government support for the hospital and this decision has not been made due to the lack of support of the government.

“Realistically, even with government support we are unable to stay open.”

In 2018 the hospital had 2054 admissions which declined to just 202 admissions in 2022.

McLaren Vale and Districts War Memorial Hospital

The letter, which was posted anonymously to the McLaren Vale Facebook group, was met with both sorrow and anger, with locals calling for more to be done.

“This is disgusting, the hospital is needed, our growth is huge in this area, even used as a rehabilitation hospital, now where is there for people to rehab in the area? It puts more pressure on FMC (Flinders Medical Centre) and less beds available yet again,” one user wrote.

“Words cannot express the sadness and disappointment I feel – a whole era gone not to mention the service it provided for our community.”

Member for Mawson Leon Bignell, thanked all previous and current staff for their dedication to the community.

“For 20 years I’ve worked hard to secure government funding for the McLaren Vale Hospital but it has reached the point where the hospital is no longer the best use of the site for our area,” Mr Bignell said.

“I’d like to thank board members, management and all the staff and volunteers – past and present – for their magnificent service.

“As we mark the end of one era, we celebrate what we hope to achieve for our community in the next 70 years.”

The Health Minster Chris Picton said the decision comes as a result driven by workforce decline.

“SALHN has maintained its funding support for the facility but the private board has decided it is not viable to remain open as a private hospital due to dwindling admissions and private workforce shortages,” Mr Picton said.

“The Board has made it clear this decision is not because of lack of government support, it has been driven by workforce and decline in admissions from the community that have reduced by 90 per cent in ten years.”

Once the the hospital service finishes, it is expected that Kalyra will transition to providing aged care to the local community.