The south coast community will be able to access the new Emergency Department at Victor Harbor from Wednesday November 19. 

Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie was given a tour ahead of the official opening last week.

She says the purpose-built and modern facility is a long-awaited and much-needed investment in regional health, which she has advocated for many years. 

“The number of treatment areas is increasing from five to 20 and includes short-stay beds, enclosed treatment bays, resuscitation bays and paediatric areas.

“In the more than nine years I’ve been the local Federal MP, there’s been a significant growth in presentations to the ED in Victor Harbor. This redevelopment has been designed to accommodate continuing growth into the future.

“This facility will be able to manage all levels of emergencies, with a capacity to cope with larger patient volumes than the current ED. It’s been a long time coming and is vital for the south coast region and its rapidly growing population.”

This $16.8 million upgrade, was jointly funded by the federal and state governments and features an Extended Care Unit with three beds for clinically stable patients who are expected to be discharged within 24 hours, two patient consulting rooms and a low-stimulus room.

Other new and upgraded features include patient admission and triage areas, an interview room and visitor lounge, secure storage spaces, staff stations and offices.

The state government says the upgrade increases the local ED to 400% of the previous capacity to meet the future emergency health needs of a region that is projected to experience 42% population growth over the next 15 years.

The project was designed by architectural firm Wiltshire Swain, and building works were completed by building company Schiavello Construction. Both contractors are experienced in the delivery of health service upgrades across regional and metropolitan areas.

Ramindjeri, Ngarrindjeri and Narungga man and artist Cedric Varcoe also contributed to the project’s design, providing landscaping advice and developing artwork for the site to ensure it is a culturally welcoming space.

The state government says it is investing in a bigger health system for the Fleurieu region, including a $1.3 million expansion of the hospital’s Renal Unit, enabling an extra eight patients to undertake renal dialysis treatment closer to home.

“Since coming to office this state government has delivered a $9 million new Victor Harbor Ambulance Station and expanded local ambo numbers through the recruitment of an additional 12 paramedics for the area.

“Work is currently underway to deliver a $3.5 million upgrade of the ambulance station in nearby Goolwa, which will be the home base for another 12 newly recruited paramedics due for deployment this month.”