Western Hospital at Henley Beach fears closures as it struggles with debt

Western suburbs locals are feeling desperate as a popular private hospital risks closure after failing to pay off its debts.

Western Hospital fears closure after its debt rises. Source: 7NEWS.

Fears are mounting for the popular Western Hospital at Henley Beach as its debt rises, possibly forcing the centre to close down.

Locals are desperate for the Henley Beach based hospital to continue being operational.

The private hospital has been known as a one-stop medical centre for the locals offering everything from surgical services to dietitian advice, 7NEWS reports.

Yet there is a risk the vital medical centre might close as Western Hospital’s board members have gone to the government saying they cannot afford the rent.

The hospital has managed to raised a $1m loan to keep the facilities open for a little longer but they fear closure is inevitable.

SA’s treasurer Stephen Mullighan said it was important to keep the Western Hospital open for the benefit of the state’s health system.

“We did it because we realise how important this facility is for the western suburbs and how important it is to the overall health care system,” Stephen Mullighan said.

The state’s shadow treasurer Matt Cowdrey also expressed his concern for other popular hospitals.

He said: “The closure of the Western Hospital could also have impacts on the broader health system, both on the QEH and the Royal Adelaide Hospital.”

The building is currently owned by Australian Unity but is run by a group of healthcare professionals – but they are looking for another private operator to take over.

The government has given the hospital until the end of the month to pay off their debt but says its main concern is for the hospital to stay open.

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