Residents of Keith and surrounds will have enhanced access to health care services with a new model of care that will see Keith and District Hospital join SA Health following a request from the hospital board.

Following extensive community consultation, the State Government will invest its $9.75m election commitment to facilitate a formal transition to Keith and District Healthcare, delivering more contemporary and sustainable health and aged care services.

This decision follows the Keith and District Hospital Board indicating the current frailties of the governance and service model are unsustainable, and they have been working proactively in partnership with the Limestone Coast Local Health Network to develop an alternative model.

The Keith and District Healthcare model has received a groundswell of public support from the Keith community.

Feedback received from the community last year was used to refine the model to best reflect its needs, and this model was overwhelmingly supported by a large contingent of the community at the Keith and District Hospital Annual General Meeting in late 2022.

The new model brings to an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the future of Keith’s health services.

The service will integrate a Community Paramedic, Nurse Practitioner and additional Allied Health roles to complement State Government services.

It will also support the health service’s General Practitioner to help the community access primary care.

As part of the new model, Keith and District Healthcare will improve access to aged care, allied health, Country Health Connect services, NDIS services, and dedicated telehealth rooms.

Transport options between Keith and District Healthcare and Bordertown Memorial Hospital will be improved with greater support for SA Ambulance Service volunteers.

The Keith aged care facility, Stirling Lodge, has had 26 aged care rooms renovated with all rooms receiving new or updated ensuites.

Stirling Lodge also provides modern clinical spaces, a gymnasium, café, hairdresser, and inviting outdoor spaces.

Keith and District Healthcare will be managed by the Limestone Coast Local Health Network, with formal processes now under way with the existing workforce to facilitate the transition as soon as practical.