Mount Gambier’s hospital is on track to become the state’s leading training facility, according to South Australian health-care experts.

The hospital and adjacent Flinders University campus this week hosted a visit from the university’s Executive Dean of Medicine and Public Health Dr Jonathan Craig.

Dr Craig met with members of the Flinders University clinical training and regional training hub, as well as the hospital’s Services Executive Director Dr Elaine Pretorius.

Dr Craig said the local program had 11 medical students spending a year at the facility, with the aim they would go on to work locally.

“I think it’s stunning – there is the building, but it is the people who offer health care facilities who make up the building,” he said.

“We have staff who are dedicated to improving the outcomes for local people, which is fantastic.

“I would say there is enormous potential particularly to strengthen this health care facility as the go to for future doctors. It could be the best regional training hub in the state.”

Dr Pretorius agreed, saying she was excited about the future of the program.

“I have only been here for nine months – I believe with some vision and hard work the training opportunities would be unique and could create professionals who can contribute to the community with excellence and exceptional health care,” she said.

“I love being here, despite COVID and I’m excited to work with Flinders University in the next few years to create a training hub that everyone will like to flock to.