Construction has started on a $74 million expansion of Noarlunga Hospital, which will provide 48 new beds for Adelaide’s growing southern suburbs.

It’s the largest ever expansion for the hospital, which will increase bed numbers by more than 50 per cent.

The state government says the project will provide enhanced health care for southern suburbs residents and reduce pressure on the system, lifting Noarlunga’s bed numbers from 92 to 140.

The new beds are due to open at the end of 2025.

The Noarlunga 48-bed project includes a new Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit that will deliver 24 specialist mental health beds for those with high and complex needs. 

This will comprise of two 12-bed pods of single rooms – as well as two large therapy areas, two private consumer lounges, four interview rooms, two family lounges, a gymnasium, and secure external courtyards.

A new 24-bed Medical Inpatient Unit will also be built to expand the care available for general medical patients.

The general medicine ward will include 20 single patient rooms with ensuite and a window allowing for natural light, and one four-bed bay for patients requiring a higher level of care.

Two of the bedrooms will be specifically designed for patients with transmissible infectious diseases, while two will be fitted out to care safely for patients with bariatric needs.

The new inpatient unit will help reduce the need to transfer patients to Flinders Medical Centre and will increase patient flow from the Noarlunga Hospital ED.

Technology and audio-visual capabilities have been built into the design to support consultants based at other sites to provide specialist advice regarding patient care and treatment, reducing the need for travel by both patients and clinicians.

Additional car parks will also be constructed for the hospital, as well as an enclosed, secure linkway to connect the new building to the existing hospital.

Elective surgery has been cancelled across the state this week as a surge in COVID and flu infections clogs the hospital system.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton says the past week has shown more than ever why we need extra beds in our hospital system. 

 “Our hospitals are full, with patients sicker and staying longer, and we are putting in place actions to manage demand as well as getting on with building the extra beds our system desperately needs.

“These 48 beds at Noarlunga are among 280 extra beds that we are adding to the system this year and next – that’s the equivalent of a new Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

We know a major cause of ramping is bed block and hospital overcrowding, which is why we are building and opening every bed possible to increase capacity.

“The Noarlunga upgrade will boost the hospital’s bed capacity by more than 50 per cent, expanding care options closer to home for residents in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

“More acute care and mental health beds is welcome news for the community and will alleviate demand on Flinders Medical Centre and improve access to care in both hospitals.