The Malinauskas Labor government’s upcoming budget will show record funding for health, exceeding $10 billion for this first time, with increased funding expanding services, employing more doctors and nurses and continuing to boost our ambulance service.
More than 4,000 workers have joined the state’s health system in the past four years, with more nurses, doctors, paramedics and allied health staff meaning patients can access care sooner and closer to home.
More than 600 extra beds have been added right across the state, including transitional care to take pressure off hospitals, and more than 130 mental health beds – building capacity and supporting better patient flow.
The budget will also deliver on our election commitments, including more funding for our ambos, women’s health clinics, and better mental health support.
It comes as construction of a $22 million Crisis Stabilisation Centre in Adelaide’s northern suburbs is entering its final stages, with the first patients expected to be admitted in the coming weeks.
The 16-bed centre, located next to the Lyell McEwin Hospital, will provide short-term stays of up to three nights for people experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal distress.
A multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians – including psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, doctors, nurses and cultural workers – will deliver high-quality, person-centred care at the Crisis Stabilisation Centre.
Operating 24/7, the service will be based on the second floor of the Oldham Road building at Elizabeth Vale, forming part of the expanding Playford Health Precinct.
The centre has been thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming, home-like environment. It includes counselling rooms, a family lounge and shared social spaces, all co-designed with people who have lived experience of crisis and distress.
Final internal works have now been completed, with landscaping and external works expected to finish this week.
Managed by Sonder, the Crisis Stabilisation Centre will operate alongside the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre, which provides free daily walk-in support without the need for a referral or Medicare card.
Together, these services offer a safe and effective alternative to emergency departments for people who do not require acute medical care, while providing short-term, intensive support in a dedicated setting. Evidence shows this model delivers better outcomes for people experiencing mental health distress.
The centre will further strengthen the range of mental health services available across South Australia.
Quotes
Attributable to Blair Boyer
Record investment in health is a clear signal of our commitment to ensuring every person has access to the care they need, when they need it.
This level of funding represents a once-in-a-generation investment in our health system – strengthening services, supporting our workforce, and delivering better outcomes for patients.
When someone is in mental health crisis, the environment they enter matters.
This centre has been designed to feel safe, welcoming and supportive, helping people stabilise and begin their recovery.
This centre represents a major step forward in how we support people experiencing mental health crisis in our community. This is about giving people better, more appropriate options.
By providing a dedicated alternative to emergency departments, we can deliver more specialised care while easing pressure on our hospitals.
Attributable to Northern Adelaide Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Karen Puvogel
It’s fantastic to see this project coming to fruition.
The Crisis Stabilisation Centre will form a vital part of the Lyell McEwin Hospital precinct, offering our consumers a therapeutic environment to access the support and care they need from trusted health professionals.
