It’s a sigh of relief for hundreds who have struggled for years to access quality health services at the “unsustainable” Keith and District Healthcare.

The hospital will transition into a public health hub soon with seven-day urgent care, implement a community paramedic and nurse practitioner, and upgrade the aged care facility.

The transition will see the facility move from an independent service into the public sector under the management of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN).

Under the new model of care, the Keith and District Hospital joins SA Health following a request from the hospital board.

The $9.75 million investment by the state government in the new public health hub aims to deliver more contemporary and sustainable health and aged care services.

The SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton, said the Keith and District Healthcare model received a groundswell of public support from the community.

“Feedback received from the community last year was used to refine the model to best reflect its needs, and this model was overwhelmingly supported by a large contingent of the community at the Keith and District Hospital Annual General Meeting in late 2022,” Mr Picton said in a statement.

He said the new model puts an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the future of Keith’s health services.

“Keith and District Healthcare is an innovative service model that is designed to reduce and prevent the need for inpatient care.

“The service will continue to provide access to urgent care, and it will also be equipped to provide more acute services in the home.

“The service will integrate a community paramedic, nurse practitioner, and additional allied health roles to complement state government services.

“It will also support the health service’s general practitioner to help the community access primary care.”

As part of the new model, Keith and District Healthcare will improve access to aged care, allied health, Country Health Connect services, NDIS services, and dedicated telehealth rooms.

Transport options between Keith and District Healthcare and Bordertown Memorial Hospital will be improved with greater support for SA Ambulance Service volunteers.

“Keith and District Healthcare will be managed by the Limestone Coast Local Health Network, with formal processes now underway with the existing workforce to facilitate the transition as soon as practical,” Mr Picton said.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.