HAMPSTEAD REHABILITATION CENTRE

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:22): Will the Minister for Health and Ageing update the house about the future of the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:22): I thank the member for Torrens for her question about the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, and I note the longstanding support that she has given to Hampstead, particularly as a very strong advocate for continued access for community groups to the gym and the hydrotherapy pool at the site.

At the opening of the new rehabilitation and allied health building at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital on October last year, the government announced it would begin looking at The QEH becoming the major rehabilitation site in central Adelaide.

The government is reviewing the future use of the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre as it is an ageing site and will need major renovations to remain functional. Also, senior staff and clinicians tell us that the best way to provide contemporary rehabilitation care is by locating inpatient rehabilitation with acute care services. This gives patients easier access to diagnostic and imaging services, and the ability to start intensive rehabilitation sooner.

The Central Adelaide Local Health Network is working on a plan, the Central Adelaide Rehabilitation Services, for broader consultation in the next few months. All options are being looked at in the development of the plan, including the use of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, St Margaret's Rehabilitation Hospital and Modbury Hospital. Senior clinicians and staff are already part of this process.

Irrespective of any possible changes to the future use of the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, the government recognises the importance of retaining access for the community to use the hydrotherapy pool and the gymnasium at the site. I understand the hydrotherapy pool provides access for community swimming groups such as senior fitness classes, breast cancer support groups and after-school swimming.

The gym at Hampstead also provides access for the wheelchair sporting community to a basketball court and a specialised weight room. The government is dedicated to the needs of people who depend upon specialised rehabilitation, and recognises the importance this plays in the life of many disabled people.