MODBURY HOSPITAL

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:13): My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. Can the minister inform the house about current work being carried out at the Modbury Hospital as part of its redevelopment?

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) (14:14): The member for Florey is a champion of the Modbury Hospital and is in constant contact with my office and has a very keen interest in the Modbury Hospital, and I would like to acknowledge that fact.

The government is carrying out improvements at Modbury Hospital. This work, combined with a continuing major upgrade to the Lyell McEwin Hospital, has delivered a much-needed increase in healthcare services to the fast-growing northern suburbs.

The current redevelopment to the Modbury Hospital is concentrating on expanding the capacity of the emergency department to provide extra critical care services to the area. At the same time, an additional 190 car parks will be built to increase the capacity of the car park and address a longstanding issue of parking availability for public and staff. The final 53 car parks are currently being constructed and are due to be completed in July.

The government committed to expanding the emergency department at Modbury Hospital as the existing unit was not big enough for the number of patients requiring care. It also required an upgrade to increase patient confidentiality and comfort. Work began in December 2012, and full clinical capacity in the new emergency department will be completed by December 2013, with some further final works being completed by March 2014. The emergency department will have 40 treatment spaces at completion, with specific treatment areas for children and patients with mental health concerns.

I am told that the current phase of this work will be complete by the end of June, by which time the capacity will increase to 19 treatment spaces, which is two more than the pre-project number. Work completed to date includes a new discharge transit lounge located at the front of the hospital; a new security room, which overlooks the waiting room of the emergency department; new staff amenities; and offices. The safe treatment of patients has been the priority whilst renovations have been carried out. All members of staff are to be commended for the way in which they have continued to provide high-quality care while these important improvements have been made.

The SPEAKER: I'm sorry I didn't see the Minister for Health immediately. I was just checking that the member for Kavel wasn't inciting uproar on the opposition and, of course, he was not. The deputy leader.