New concept images of the $24m upgrade to the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service have been released, which includes doubling the capacity of mental health beds and expanding the Emergency Department.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton will today unveil the upgrades to the Mental Health Unit, which include several beds and two specialised community drug and alcohol rehabilitation beds.

Detailed design works will be finalised in the coming months, with construction expected to start next year with works on track to be completed in mid to late-2025.

The improvements come as Mount Gambier Hospital has boosted its workforce, welcoming 45 graduate registered nurses and four new midwives during the past 12 months.

Also, all of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network facilities are now online with the Electronic Medical Records regional roll-out as part of the $31.1m State Government commitment to modernise country hospitals.

Mount Gambier is the first country Local Health Network to be completely connected to the state-wide medical records – providing better information for clinicians, easier treatment across hospitals and improved safety such as medication management.

Minister Picton was pleased to be able to confirm progress of the State Election commitment.

“It’s fantastic to see the first images of this important upgrade to Mount Gambier Hospital,” he said.

“We were able to commit at the election to this additional funding because we cancelled plans under the former government for a $662m city basketball stadium and invested over $100m of that into country health.

“We know the demand on emergency department, mental health and substance abuse services in Mount Gambier are growing, and hence we are delivering on our commitment to expand these important areas.

Limestone Coast Local Health Network acting chief executive Angela Miller said she was looking forward to seeing the work get under way.

“We know there’s more to do, but seeing these concept images of the new hospital really does make these upgrades feel very real,” she said.

“With a growing population in Limestone Coast, this investment will help us to continue to deliver outstanding health care for more regional South Australians.

“Our goal is that in building more world class facilities, we will attract more top-notch clinicians, allied health professionals and nurses to work in our hospitals and who will embrace a true work life balance here on the Limestone Coast.”

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell welcomed the announcement.

“As the Independent Member for Mount Gambier, I am delighted to see the first concept images of the upgrades to the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service,” he said.

“Improving mental health services in Mount Gambier and the surrounding region is a huge boost to our community.

“I am proud of what these upgrades will deliver for the community and for the increases in graduate registered nurses and midwives.

“They provide a valuable service to the community and give families the peace of mind they can birth safely close to home.”

Yesterday Minister Picton also visited Naracoorte and Keith hospitals as part of his tour of the Limestone Coast, where he made announcements.

“An expanded, contemporary emergency department designed to provide a high quality of care is the centrepiece of the Malinauskas Labor Government’s $8m boost to the Naracoorte Hospital,” he said.

“The upgraded emergency department will include three patient bays, a resuscitation room and wet area.

“There will also be a new waiting area on level one, two additional consulting rooms, a wet area next to the emergency department, the refurbishment of another wet area and upgrades to the sterile storage and utility areas to enhance infection control.

“Improvements to the hospital’s electrical and engineering infrastructure including the replacement of the public lift and emergency generator are also part of the first stage of upgrades.

“The Malinauskas Labor Government has also set aside an additional $1m in the State Budget to go towards a planning study and business case for potential future upgrades to the Naracoorte Hospital.”

Minister Picton said the Limestone Coast Local Health Network Naracoorte Hospital Concept Design report was currently being finalised in partnership with the Naracoorte Hospital team and the Local Health Advisory Council.

“The plans will ensure clinical services at the Naracoorte Hospital continue during the redevelopment without disruption,” he said.

“The first stage of upgrades to the Naracoorte Hospital are expected to be completed by mid-2025.”

Member for MacKillop Nick McBride is delighted with the project progress.

“I was pleased to meet with representatives from the Limestone Coast Local Health Network and Health Advisory Committee to discuss the hospital upgrade,” he said.

“As many in my electorate know, this hospital is outdated and tired.

“It was built in stages, between the 1920’s through to 2002.

“The hospital is a vital piece of health infrastructure, so we need to ensure that it provides appropriate health services for the wider region.

“As the Independent Member for MacKillop, it is my aim to work to with the government to ensure the best medical services are available in the region.”