The people of Gawler and the Northern Suburbs will be the biggest beneficiaries of a $52.5 million upgrade to the Lyell McEwin Hospital’s emergency services department, announced today.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, who attended the announcement, said the new investment in the public health system meant that people needing emergency medical care could be treated faster and in better conditions.

“The new Emergency Department will double the number of adult assessment cubicles and increase the number of paediatric assessment cubicles and resuscitation bays,’ said Mr Piccolo.

“It will also include a dedicated waiting room for children and families and a separate area for substance abuse patients.”

“The State Labor Government understands the importance of delivering a high quality, modern health care system for all South Australians.”

That is why Labor has upgraded every major hospital across the state, and our new Royal Adelaide Hospital will be one of the best hospitals in the world.

“People from the Gawler and surrounding districts who need to be transferred from Gawler Health Services to the Lyell McEwin for emergency treatment will experience shorter waiting times, in a much more comfortable environment,” Mr Piccolo said.

We know access to local, modern health care facilities, which deliver high quality care for local families, is important.

This is part of a massive $1.1 billion investment in our health system in the State Budget, ensuring our hospital infrastructure remains modern and cutting-edge.

“Expanding the Emergency Department will enable the Lyell McEwin to continue to respond to the needs of our growing local community.

“When the existing ED was opened 11 years ago it catered for about 35,000 patient visits, growing to over 70,000 in recent years.”

“This builds on our Government’s investment of more than $314 million in modernising and upgrading services offered at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.

“As part of the largest ever investment in health care, our local community will continue to access modern, world-class facilities and high quality health services – no matter where you live” he said.

Work on the upgrade is expected to start in mid 2018.