South Australian health projects unveiled as row erupts over infrastructure spending
A $42.8m health infrastructure package for Adelaide and regional hospitals has been unveiled – but Labor says more is needed.
SA News
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A multi-million dollar health infrastructure package has been unveiled by the government as the Opposition criticises a fall in spending across the system.
The State Government on Monday announced the $42.8 million pre-budget package for a series of initiatives in Adelaide and regional hospitals.
But Labor claimed that declining investment in health infrastructure “coincided with increasing issues in the hospital sector” including record ambulance ramping.
Government officials announced a $6 million transition care unit for brain and spinal patients at the Repat precinct in Adelaide’s south.
The Advertiser earlier this year revealed how private elective surgeries, patient transition care and new dialysis treatment facilities were being considered at the site.
The State Government is spending $6.5 million for a 90-bed coronavirus unit after an upgrade of former clinical wards at the Repat Health Precinct.
There is also exercise, physiology and a sports gymnasium designed for rehabilitation.
Speaking at the site on Monday, Premier Steven Marshall and Health Minister Stephen Wade also announced a $15 million, fourfold Gawler Hospital emergency department expansion.
They also announced regional projects funding, including:
• AN upgraded Port Augusta ambulance station worth $4.3 million,
• A FURTHER $4 million for Strathalbyn Aged Care Lifestyle facilities;
• ANOTHER $2 million to complete the Kalimna Hostel redevelopment, near Nuriootpa;
• A $10 MILLION upgrade to various country hospitals.
“This funding boost will kickstart a range of important health projects for local communities and create hundreds of jobs at a time when we need them most,” Mr Marshall said.
Mr Wade added: “These projects will improve the lives of many.”
Figures contained in the Auditor-General’s recent annual report showed the total health infrastructure project spend had fallen from $351 million in 2017 to $169 million this year.
Last year it was $103 million in 2019, according to the report.
SA Labor leader Peter Malinauskas called for more health infrastructure spending that would stimulate the economy and create jobs.
“Under the Marshall Liberal Government, investment in health infrastructure is falling at the exact time it should be growing,” he said.
Shadow health spokesman Chris Picton also criticised the “tanking” hospital infrastructure spending.
“Boosting our hospital capacity to respond to future pandemics is a no-brainer,” he said.
Mr Marshall last week defended the government’s health record, arguing his administration had spent more than $1 billion on the state system.
