The Malinauskas Labor Government has taken steps to future-proof the Lyell McEwin Hospital with the compulsory acquisition of a parcel of land next to the existing site.
The vacant 1.79 hectare (17,896 square metres) parcel of land at 471 Oldham Road, Elizabeth East was previously owned by the City of Playford.
Acquiring the land keeps it out of the hands of commercial developers and leaves the door open for future expansion of the Lyell McEwin Hospital.
It adds to the potential of the Playford Health Precinct, including a new Calvary Private Hospital, which will replace the Calvary Central District Hospital, and Healthia, a $40 million health and education hub developed by aged care organisation ACH Group.
The land purchase comes the same month construction began on two new wards at Lyell McEwin Hospital.
The $47 million project will deliver 48 single occupancy rooms with ensuites, including rooms with speciality care features, improving patient comfort and wellbeing for people who require a higher level of support.
The works, that are expected to be complete in mid-2024, will include a range of other utility and support spaces, such as sterile and cleaning storage areas and staff facilities.
The $4.5 million final stage of the Emergency Department upgrade is also in progress. The project will increase the ED capacity to 76 treatment spaces and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Quotes
Attributable to Chris Picton
We are committed to meeting both the short-term and long-term health needs of South Australians, and this includes making decisions now that will benefit future generations.
Not only are we delivering on two new wards to provide 48 beds in mid-2024, we have now also invested in this parcel of land that is critical to the future growth of health services.
These investments will ensure sustainable health care close to home for people in Adelaide’s north.
Attributable to Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, CEO Maree Geraghty
We are very pleased the Government has secured this important piece of land next to Lyell McEwin Hospital that will allow for future expansion to cater for our growing community.
Our staff are excited to see the works already underway on the 48 beds and the final stage of the final stage of the Emergency Department, which will increase capacity and ease demand.
Attributable to City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty
The State Government’s acquisition of Council land in the Playford health precinct complements Council’s long-held vision to see a holistic grouping of health services available around and in an expanded Lyell McEwin Hospital.
It is pleasing to see the State Government shares our vision and is committed to providing increased health services to the growing population in the northern suburbs.
