1000 jobs created as Modbury Hospital transformation begins

Residents in the north and north eastern suburbs are a step closer to having greater access to rehabilitation and elective surgery procedures near home, with construction of a new multi- million dollar facility underway.

Health Minister Jack Snelling said the $32 million project will be undertaken by 30 SA companies and will create 1,000 jobs throughout construction, with around 130 workers expected to be on site at any given time.

He also said the upgrade will ease the travel burden often felt by locals who require rehabilitation services.

“At the moment, if you live in the north you need to travel significant distances to access some services, especially for ongoing rehab,” Mr Snelling said.

“Our investment in Modbury Hospital will see it become the elective surgery centre for the north and north east which will ease the travel burden on locals.

Member for Florey Frances Bedford said the new facility will include purpose-built therapy spaces.

“There’ll be 18 treatment rooms, a gym, hydrotherapy pool, laboratory for analysing mobility, prosthesis services and a kitchen where clients can re-learn and practice everyday tasks.”

Dr Maddison said the new building would bring together allied health specialists including occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy with medical and nursing staff.

Divisional Director of Aged Care, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Dr John Maddison, said the centre will allow clinicians to deliver greater, higher-quality care to north and north eastern residents.

“It will mean patients can return home sooner with a comprehensive program of support and those already living in the community will have far greater access to the services they need to maximise their recovery and independence.”

“So, if somebody has a hip replacement that requires follow-up treatment over an extended period of time, they’ll be able to go to their appointments with different health professionals at one modern place.”

Further works on Modbury Hospital will take place throughout the year and are part of more than $260 million being invested in South Australia’s hospitals and health infrastructure as part of Transforming Health. The rehabilitation centre is expected to be completed by late 2016.

Source: News Release, Government of South Australia

05 February 2016

1000 jobs created as Modbury Hospital transformation begins 

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/2016/16_02February/modburyhospitalsodturn.pdf