Clare Hospital

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (15:29): Today I rise to reflect on the occasion of the Clare Hospital centenary celebrations held on 21 March 2025. Our Minister for Health and Wellbeing, the Hon. Chris Picton, gave a fitting speech reflecting on the profound impact of this institution over the past century.

The gathering reflected the community spirit, such as Yorke and Northern Local Health Network CEO Roger Kirchner and Governing Board Chair John Voumard, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Clare Hospital, Jodie Kernick, members of the Lower North Health Advisory Council, and Mayor Allan Aughey OAM. There was also the federal MP and the state MP at the event, along with staff past and present and community volunteers who have dedicated decades of service over the years.

This event marked an extraordinary milestone—100 years of service by a hospital at the heart of the Clare community. Clare Hospital's history is deeply rooted in the commitment and resilience of the community it serves. From its modest beginnings in 1878 as a one-room casualty hospital at the local police station, Clare Hospital has grown to meet the evolving healthcare needs of its people. As Dr Gerry Considine also reminded us, the Clare Hospital is more than bricks and mortar: it is the people within the wards who have made it what it is today, emphasising that health care is not just a profession but a calling.

It was established in 1924 after tireless community fundraising, led by Dr Otto Wien-Smith, and represents a legacy of collective action and determination. Among the stories shared during the centenary celebrations we heard of baby Dunn, the first baby born at the hospital in 1924, who was followed shortly after by Dorothy Dunstan, the first female baby. Dorothy herself reached her centenary last year, a fitting reminder of this hospital's enduring presence and legacy.

The hospital quickly became an indispensable part of the community, serving 246 patients in its first year alone. In 1974 it had grown to care for 933 patients annually, and in the 2023-24 financial year it recorded 2,201 inpatient episodes, 2,838 emergency episodes and 3,344 outpatient episodes. This remarkable growth reflects Clare Hospital's ability to adapt and meet the needs of the community.

The Clare Hospital remains a vital institution providing high-quality health care to Clare and surrounding regions thanks to the dedication of healthcare professionals, volunteers and support staff. During the centenary celebrations we paid tribute to the long-serving doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health staff who have dedicated decades of service to ensuring that patients receive the care they need, close to home.

As we honour Clare Hospital's legacy, we take pride in its progress towards the future. That future would obviously include some further investment in the hospital. The helipad upgrade announced is part of the Malinauskas government's $23.4 million investment to improve helipads at 13 regional hospitals across SA, enhancing safety and efficiency with larger landing areas, improved pathways, lighting, beacons and navigation equipment. Clare Hospital also benefits from enhancements to the Central Sterile Supply Department. These advancements will boost the hospital's capacity to deliver high-quality care, and maintain its reputation as a cornerstone of regional healthcare delivery.

The government's commitment to regional health care extends beyond infrastructure. Since 2022 we have also strengthened our regional healthcare workforce by recruiting more than 200 full-time staff, including 36 extra doctors, 162 nurses and 10 allied health professionals. Programs such as the Transition to Professional Practice Program, regional cadetships and scholarships are creating pathways for the next generation of healthcare workers.

These initiatives are critical to ensure that regional communities like Clare continue to benefit from skilled professionals who can meet their unique healthcare needs. Furthermore, our government is investing in dedicated mental health services for older South Australians through the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network and other regional networks. By expanding community health mental health teams with specialist roles, we are ensuring that older residents in regional areas receive targeted and accessible mental health care.

Clare Hospital is a shining example of what can be achieved when governments, communities and healthcare professionals work together with a shared vision. Its centenary is not only an opportunity to honour its past but also a call to action to ensure its future remains strong. The Malinauskas government is committed to providing the investment and support needed to sustain our regional hospitals, ensuring that South Australians, no matter where they live, can access the care they deserve. Clare Hospital stands as a beacon of progress and a testament to the power of community-driven health care. Let us continue to build on this legacy, working together to deliver a healthcare system that meets the needs of all South Australians.