Mt Barker’s new hospital emergency department to open in days

Mount Barker’s hugely expanded emergency department is set to open within days, with a dozen more treatment bays than the old one.

The new emergency department at Mount Barker Hospital will open on June 7 with more than triple the number of treatment bays.

The new ED has 17 treatment bays – 12 more than the old ED – comprising two resuscitation bays, two paediatric bays and 13 general patient bays.

A new negative pressure bay and other clinical rooms will also support emergencies.

The opening of the ED comes as design work progresses on the new Mount Barker Hospital, which will triple inpatient capacity from 34 to 102 beds under a $220m state government commitment.

The ED opening day announcement comes as the state government faces growing pressure over ramping despite Labor’s election commitment to “fix ramping.”

Health Minister Chris Picton said the opening day is great news for the growing local community.

Mt Barker’s expanded emergency department will open on June 7. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“We know with the Mt Barker population growing and growing we need more health facilities here,” he said, noting it would also take pressure off metropolitan EDs.

“This investment more than triples the previous ED’s capacity to ensure Mount Barker and Hills residents have access to quality emergency care on their doorstep.

“Complementing the new ED is our commitment to deliver a new Mount Barker Hospital with three times as many inpatient beds to enhance the flow of people from the ED into beds and reduce the number of transfers to metropolitan hospitals.”

Artist impressions of the new Mount Barker Hospital. Supplied by State Government.

Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie said the expanded ED and new hospital were a huge win tor the community.

“Years ago, on Easter Sunday, my eldest son hurt his arm,” she said.

“Back then the only place to go was the city as there were no doctors at the hospital, let alone an emergency department.

“I was told it was ‘impossible’ to get an ED up and running at Mount Barker Hospital. It has taken many hours of lobbying various ministers to get here.

“First, we had contract doctors on site, then a small but busy ED, and now with over $11m of federal funding a new ED. I am so excited that my team and I, together with our community, have made this happen.”

Artist impressions of the new Mount Barker Hospital. Supplied by State Government.

Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network chief executive, Rebecca Graham said: “We are truly delighted to bring online our new emergency department for our Mount Barker community.

“This delivers the first, important stage in our plans to bolster hospital and emergency services in the region to ensure they not only serve local residents now, but also long into the future.”