The State Liberal Government’s strong plan to boost hospital capacity in response to the coronavirus pandemic continues to roll out today with the installation of key equipment at the former Wakefield Hospital site and the Repat.
A new $1.9 million CT-scanner and a VIE 7000 oxygen tank will arrive at the former Wakefield Hospital site today. The site has been refitted with 70 beds, with a further 65 beds expected during the next week.
Significant works are also underway at the Repat where a crane is being used to install an important chiller to help service the facility’s soon-to-be established 90 beds at Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Premier Steven Marshall said bolstering the state’s hospital capacity is the centre of the government’s strong plan to prepare South Australia for what may eventuate.
“Our focus is on being as prepared as we can be, to protect South Australians health and wellbeing,” Premier Marshall said.
“We are focused on preparing our health system for the challenges that may lie ahead during this global crisis.
“The health of all South Australians is our highest priority. To protect your health, we are committed to slowing the spread of the virus while significantly boosting capacity within our health system.
“This investment has the added benefit of keeping our economy moving in these challenging times, by supporting construction jobs for South Australians.”
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said that the CT scanner will be a key tool for treating patients at Wakefield until the pandemic is defeated.
Beyond the pandemic it will be moved to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital continuing the renewal of the Hospital under this government.
“The State Liberal Government is boosting capacity right across our health system in preparation for the coronavirus peak,” Minister Wade said.
“Yesterday, we brought forward the expansion of the Flinders Medical Centre Emergency Department which will provide an additional 30 treatment spaces over the next few months.
“This will complement an additional 278 beds at ECH College Park, the old Wakefield Hospital and the Repat, which all form part of our strong response to the COVID-19 threat.”
“Around the world, some governments underestimated the threat of the coronavirus. Around the world, some governments failed to plan for an effective response.
“We have done neither. We have backed our public health clinicians and the broader health system.
“We have backed them with planning, with laws, and with resources. They are our frontline defence against COVID-19”.
