Last patients leave the Repatriation General Hospital

THE closure of the Repatriation General Hospital has inched closer today with the last patients leaving the beloved institution today.

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THE final patients will be moved out of the Repatriation General Hospital today as the State Government readies the beloved institution’s closure.

After months of fierce protest and former Premier Mike Rann’s pledge it would “never, ever be closed by a Labor Government”, the Repat will close its doors for the last time, with the last patients moved to new and upgraded facilities across Adelaide’s south.

Over the past two weeks, the hospital’s 675 staff, 110 patients and 200 volunteers have been transferred to multiple sites.

Health Minister Peter Malinauskas said the closure “marked the end of era for the Repat”.

“Relocating has been an emotional experience for many but I’m confident that after speaking to staff and patients, the culture of the Repat will continue in the new state-of-the-art facilities,” he said.

Repat staff say goodbye to the hospital. Pic: Tait Schmaal.

Patients will now receive treatment in refurbished wards at Noarlunga Hospital, the new $185.5 million upgrade of the FMC, which includes a rehabilitation and palliative care centre, a 1820 space car park and a new centre for the Older Persons’ Mental Health Service.

They will also be received a the Jamie Larcombe Centre at Glenside, a new $15 million purpose-built Veterans mental health precinct.

The Opposition has long campaigned the Repat should not be closed.