WORKS on a $3.1 million upgrade of the Gawler Health Service has been brought forward as part of the State Government’s COVID-19 economic response.
An announcement last week confirmed work on a new air-conditioning system and enhanced backup power capability at the local hospital is set to begin inside the next fortnight.
The accelerated works are worth around $800,000 of the total $3.1 million revamp.
Health minister Stephen Wade said an upgraded Gawler Health Service would “deliver the best possible care, closer to home”.
“The $3.1 million upgrade at Gawler Hospital will ensure people throughout the region can continue to receive high-quality care in fit-for-purpose, well maintained facilities, both now and into the future,” he said.
“The upgrade will provide improvements to the hospital’s backup power capability and new air conditioning so we can continue to provide reliable services within our facility.”
The work is expected to be finished towards the end of the year, with the construction tender awarded to firm Harold & Kite.
Gawler Health Service acting director of nursing and midwifery Sue Renshaw said the upgrades would “ensure people living in the Gawler region and surrounding communities can continue to access high standards of health care”.
“This is an exciting time for our region and we are pleased to receive this much needed upgrade,” Ms Renshaw said.
“The new air conditioning within the operating theatre suite and birthing unit will ensure our facility can continue to operate at the highest standards and provide comfort and high quality care to our patients for many years to come.
“The upgrades to our backup power system will also ensure our hospital is fully equipped in the event of loss of mains power or other emergency events.”