The Marshall Liberal Government has today unveiled the final concept plan for a revitalised Repat Health Precinct, with state-of-the-art services to care for brain and spinal rehabilitation patients and older mental health and dementia patients to be the focus of the site.
Premier Steven Marshall said the vision of the site was a direct response to the community’s strong view that the Repat site needed to be reactivated to take pressure off the health system and provide world-class services for South Australians.
“The Repat has a long and important history in this state. It honours our veterans and embodies their values. Today we are one step closer to reactivating and revitalising what will be a critical part of South Australia’s future health system,” Mr Marshall said.
“The former Labor Government closed the Repat and ignored the South Australian community’s demand that a genuine health precinct be retained on the site.
“Those passionate about the Repat spent five months on the steps of Parliament campaigning against its closure. A petition attracted 120,000 signatures. This masterplan is a testament to their commitment.
“Two months after the March 2018 election, we terminated the contract for the sale of the Repat, securing it as a public asset. We have ensured that South Australians retain ownership of this important and valued site.
“Last year we asked South Australians about what they envisioned for the Repat - we’ve listened, and today I am extremely proud to deliver this final concept plan to South Australians, demonstrating this Government’s unwavering commitment to reactivating this iconic health asset.”
Dementia services, older persons’ mental health, specialised brain and spinal rehabilitation, surgery and care transition spaces are just some of the services that will be offered at a revitalised Repat Health Precinct.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art brain injury facility will be built to provide a 26 bed specialist inpatient ward.
“ParaQuad SA is delighted with what it sees as a unique development of spinal and brain rehabilitation services, co-located with modern accommodation facilities. This will allow patients to successfully transition to the community and access specialised services whilst they are waiting to go home,” Minister Wade said.
Following on from the Oakden recommendations, an 18 bed specialised facility will be established to care for some of the most vulnerable South Australians suffering extreme behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
Minister Wade said SA Health received strong interest from NGOs and private providers interested in partnering to deliver future services at the Repat Health Precinct.
“SA Health is currently in negotiations to partner with a NGO to work with us to deliver a dedicated dementia village, including 60 places for people with dementia who have complex care needs,” he said.
“The former 40 bed rehabilitation ward will be repurposed to provide for a new 23 bed statewide spinal injury ward.
“A ‘town square’ will also be developed in the heart of the Repat to create a community hub and open outdoor flexible use space including a new wheelchair training/sports gymnasium, refurbishment of the SPF Hall and a new cafe.
“The site contains significant veterans’ heritage and opportunities are being explored to commemorate and provide services to veterans.
“In collaboration with a NGO, dedicated care transition facilities will be developed with additional support spaces.
“This final concept plan reflects the thoughts and views of the community and clinicians and ensures future services at the Repat are sustainable and well-equipped to meet the needs of the residents of southern Adelaide and beyond.”
Brain and spinal rehabilitation services currently provided at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre will be transferred to the new facilities.
Building on a range of proposals put forward in the Expression of Interest, SA Health will shortly launch a process to explore interest in specific opportunities for delivering surgical procedures at the site.
Today marks the start of a week-long opportunity for public comment on the master plan. The Government will then finalise the plan and costings for the site.
To read and provide feedback on the Repat Health Precinct concept, please visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/repat