Caitlin Menadue, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

The long-awaited response to the Yorke Peninsula health services inquiry has landed, with SA Health tabling its position in state parliament on November 26.

SA Health has accepted all 16 recommendations from the Economic and Finance Committee’s Inquiry into the Delivery of Health Services on the Yorke Peninsula.

The inquiry received 84 submissions before its findings were tabled in parliament in September.

It formally began in November 2024, following a community petition led by Narungga MP Fraser Ellis and signed by nearly 11,000 people, which was presented to parliament in November 2023.

“I am so grateful to all who helped with the petition, who signed it, distributed and returned completed sheets, and then all who lodged submissions to the inquiry, both oral and written,” Mr Ellis said.

“It has been a mammoth task, and I am pleased that the government has accepted all the recommendations made.”

The accepted outcomes include investment to upgrade services at Wallaroo Hospital — including more beds and 24/7 on-site radiology — investigation of emergency department options for Yorketown and Maitland hospitals, improvements to the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme, exploration of ways to expand volunteer ambulance crews, increased investment in mental health support, and more.

Mr Ellis said that, while there was some disappointment that many recommendations will only lead to further investigations or require federal action, the acceptance of all 16 remained a positive step.

Speaking to the report in parliament on Thursday, November 27, he said it was a “fitting last speech on the final day of sitting before the election”.

“It is now incumbent on everyone seeking election — both as a candidate to represent Narungga and as a party seeking to form government — to commit to outcomes that reflect the intent of the recommendations delivered,” he said.

“I certainly commit to continuing my fight for better local health services and delivering on the inquiry.”

SA Health backs inquiry findings

SA Government responds to regional health priorities

A South Australian Government spokesperson said several health service improvements have been made on Yorke Peninsula since 2022, with further planning underway.

“The Yorke and Northern Local Health Network’s operating budget has increased by more than 40 per cent — from $173 million to $243 million — compared with the final budget of the previous government,” the spokesperson said.

Infrastructure works have included a new six-bed rehabilitation unit at Wallaroo Hospital, helipad upgrades at Wallaroo and Port Broughton hospitals, and 24/7 security at Wallaroo.

The Wallaroo Ambulance Station has also been upgraded.

“Four salaried doctors have been recruited to Wallaroo Hospital, including a Director of Emergency Medicine who works across both Wallaroo and Port Pirie hospitals,” the spokesperson said.

“The Junior Doctor Program is now training interns in the region for the first time, and 12 career paramedics have been deployed to the Yorke Peninsula.

“Recruitment is also underway for a community paramedic.”

The SA Government is also looking at long-term infrastructure needs.

“A Strategic Infrastructure Assessment is underway at Wallaroo Hospital to support future planning,” the spokesperson said.

“Options to improve facilities at Maitland and Yorketown hospitals are also being explored.

“We are looking at expanding the Junior Doctor Program to support up to 24 interns next year, and reviewing opportunities to grow Child and Family Health Service delivery in Yorketown.”

Digital service delivery remains a focus, with consideration being given to expanded telehealth access.

“This work is taking place alongside the Yorke and Northern Local Health Networkís development of a five-year health plan to help guide future service planning for the region.” 

Report recommendations

The Economic and Finance Committee’s 16 recommendations to the South Australian Government are:

1. Consider investment to upgrade services at Wallaroo Hospital, including increase in the number of beds and 24/7 on site radiology services.
2. Maintain Port Pirie Hospital within the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network.
3. Investigate options for development of emergency department facilities at Yorketown and Maitland Hospitals.
4. Call on the federal government to explore incentives for GPs to join or establish medical practices on the Yorke Peninsula.
5. Investigate methods for supporting the maintenance and possible expansion of the YNLHN’s Rural Doctor Program.
6. Explore incentives for early career nurses and metropolitanbased nurses to relocate and work in the YNLHN, such as subsidised accommodation.
7. Consider development of further training opportunities for nursing and allied health staff to increase specialist knowledge amongst health staff on YP.
8. Examine possible increases in subsidies provided by the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme, as well as decreasing the complexity of applying for subsidies via the scheme.
9. Explore possible changes to the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme to take into account continuity of care.
10. Explore options for expansion of volunteer ambulance crews in the region.
11. Call on the federal government to investigate investment in community-based mental health practitioners and wellbeing hubs on YP.
12. Investigate investment in mental health support in hospitals to assist with mental health presentations at emergency departments.
13. Explore options for safety upgrades at hospitals to help protect staff and patients.
14. Consider the establishment of Child and Family Health Services across YP, particularly in towns in southern YP.
15. Investigate options for expanding palliative care services on YP.
16. Explore options for community support for digital health and telehealth services. 

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 2 December 2025.