Kangaroo Island residents and tourists will be the major winners from $15 million worth of upgrades to the Kangaroo Island Health Service, including new workforce accommodation.

Design works are underway, marking the first stage of upgrades for the Health Service’s ageing infrastructure, which provides health and aged care services for more than 5,000 residents and visitors.

The state government has committed $10 million to the project in line with the Kangaroo Island Health Advisory Council’s recently completed infrastructure Master Plan.

This will include delivery of a new purpose-built kitchen, laundry and supply facility.

Planning is also underway to demolish the Islander Motel adjacent to the Health Service in Kingscote, which will help pave the way for future builds as part of the Master Plan.

An additional $5 million through a Commonwealth Regional Recovery Partnership grant will also contribute to construction of new workforce accommodation.

The Master Plan, launched last year, was developed by The Kangaroo Island Health Advisory Council in partnership with the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network. 

It also received significant input from the Kangaroo Island community and clinicians.

The Master Plan can be found at Kangaroo Island Health Service | SA Health

Meanwhile, the return of midwifery services on the island have led to a Kangaroo Island baby boom, according to the state government.

So far, 12 babies have been born on Kangaroo Island since midwifery services resumed in February and another 21 pregnant women are planning their birth this year.

The surge in local births has been hailed a success, giving women certainty and care close to home through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

The new model of care was developed by Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, in collaboration with the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) to improve the stability of the workforce and enable the return of birthing services to the Kangaroo Island Health Service.

The service includes a Midwifery Unit Manager (MUM), Associate MUM, two Registered Midwives, Medical Consultants in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and General Practice Obstetricians.

Under the model, dedicated midwifes are allocated to each pregnancy, giving consistency of care through pregnancy and beyond.

Women classified as high-risk continue to be transferred to the mainland ahead of their birth but once they have been discharged and return to the island, they receive postnatal care from their Kangaroo Island Health Service midwife.

Health Minister Chris Picton says it doesn’t matter where you live in South Australia, you should have access to quality health care. 

“That is what this vital development will provide the residents and visitors to Kangaroo Island.

“And being able to give birth on the island and not having to go on to the mainland will also give parents peace of mind that they can stay closer to home.”