Victor Harbor locals have been eager to get a sneak peek at the new Emergency Department (ED) at the South Coast District Hospital.

Southern Fleurieu Health Service will offer short tours of the Bay Road ED on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 November, following the official opening on Wednesday 5 November, but all available spaces were snapped up within two days.

Finniss MP David Basham has invited the community attend an unofficial opening today, Tuesday 4 November at 10am.

Mr Basham, Federal MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie and Alexandrina Council Mayor Keith Parkes have not been invited to attend the official opening.

The local state representative has asked those interested to meet at the pedestrian crossing on Bay Road, saying it would provide a moment to recognise the generations of community effort and care that built and sustained this hospital.

“For nearly 100 years, the Southern Fleurieu Health Service has cared for our community — a hospital built by locals, for locals. 

“While the Government has chosen to hold an official opening that excludes your Federal and State Members of Parliament, as well as many in the community who helped make this possible, we believe everyone deserves to celebrate this milestone.”

David Basham’s father was born in the South Coast district hospital 84 years ago; he was also born there as were two of his daughters. 

The project was funded and promised under the previous state government and was originally due for completion in 2023.

The weekend guided tours of around 15 minutes will run throughout both days from 10am and Southern Fleurieu Health Service has asked people who find they cannot attend to cancel their bookings.