South Australia’s Repat health precinct will undergo a $70-million-dollar upgrade, including a new brain and spinal rehabilitation unit.
The Federal Government has committed $30 million for the construction of a purpose-built facility, which will include a 26-bed specialist inpatient ward.
Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the facility would be co-located with a range of specialised services to make a patient’s transition to the community easier.
“I’m delighted to be able to deliver a new state-of-the-art facility for brain and spinal rehabilitation patients which will be co-located with a range of specialised services and which will make a patient’s transition to the community easier,” Hunt said.
“This funding commitment ensures we are one step closer to reactivating and revitalising what will be a critical part of South Australia’s future health system.”
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The State Government has committed around $40 million for the precinct, which includes $14.7 million for an 18-bed specialised facility to care for people suffering behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the Tier 7 dementia unit will be built in Ward 18 and is part of the solution in replacing the Oakden facility.
“Another $25 million will be spent on a state-of-the-art gymnasium for brain and spinal patients and athletes, as well as a “town square” in the heart of the Repat to create a community hub and open outdoor space. The town square redevelopment will also include a refurbishment of the SPF Hall and a new cafe,” Marshall said.
Federal Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt AM said the Commonwealth Government would also provide more than $1.3 million a year to fund operation of an 8-bed Specialist Dementia Care Unit (SDCU), in addition to the 18-bed unit.
“This unit will be one of 35 SDCUs nationwide and will allow for consolidation of high-quality, specialised dementia care within the Repat site,” Wyatt said.
“The SDCU will care for those who are experiencing severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
“SDCU care will focus on reducing or stabilising people’s symptoms over time, with the aim of helping these people to move to less intensive care settings.”