The tender for a general building contractor for the Mount Gambier Hospital upgrade has been completed.


Health Minister Chris Picton has told State Parliament that construction works are due to begin within weeks.


Minister Picton said this would involve a staged delivery of the three sub-projects.


“They are on track to achieve practical completion towards the end of 2025,” Minister Picton said.


He was responding to a query posed by Shadow Regional Health Minister Penny Pratt.


“What is the cause of the delays to the Mount Gambier hospital upgrade?” Ms Pratt asked.


In reply, Minister Picton said he was not sure that he could accept the premise of the question.


“I have not received any advice that we are off track in terms of having that project completed by the end of next year,” Minister Picton said.


“It is certainly a very important project for the government.”


Minister Picton then described the three components of the upgrade: an expansion of the emergency department, additional mental health beds and a two-bed drug and alcohol unit.


“The idea the upgrade is off track I certainly disagree with,” he said.