The first stage of the $46m Modbury Hospital redevelopment will begin in September with the expansion and refurbishment of the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Minister for Health and Ageing John Hill said the redevelopment will almost double the ED’s capacity, increasing from 23 to 40 the number of treatment and assessment spaces.

“We’re investing $17.4m to increase the size and capacity of Modbury Hospital’s ED, which will enable more people to be treated and reduce patient waiting times,” Mr Hill said.

“The redevelopment includes a secure four-bay paediatric area, and a low stimulation area for mental health consumers that’s secure from the rest of the ED.

“The hospital’s ED currently sees and treats around 36,000 people a year and this redevelopment will help to improve the flow of patients through the hospital system.”

SA Health has worked closely with clinicians and medical staff on the reconfiguration and refurbishment of the existing ED area.

“The input of doctors and nurses has been really important in developing the plans,” Mr Hill said.

“The new ED will provide staff with a state of the art facility and give patients the modern facilities and privacy they expect.

“The new treatment areas will also include an upgraded resuscitation area, three rapid assessment bays and an isolation room for infectious or patients with compromised immunity.

“The hospital will continue to provide emergency services during the redevelopment work, but there may be less space for the doctors and nurses to work in during the later stages.

“While this work is underway, there may be longer waits for some patients with less urgent conditions, particularly at peak times,” Mr Hill said.

The two-stage redevelopment also includes the building of a new 36-bed inpatient and rehabilitation facility in 2016-17.

The ED redevelopment is expected to begin in September and will take approximately 16 months to complete.

For media enquires please contact Ruth Awbery on 0428 822 114

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