South Australia Premier Steven Marshall

South Australia Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade

$70 Million To Kick-Start A Revitalised Repat

Victor P Taffa

Future of the Repat Health Precinct has been secured thanks to a $70 Million joint funding agreement between the Federal and State Governments.

Federal Government today committed $30 Million for a new Statewide brain and spinal rehabilitation unit.

Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the purpose-built facility will provide a 26-bed specialist inpatient ward.

“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.” Minister 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.”

“I would like to thank Federal Member for Boothby Nicolle Flint whose strong advocacy has helped to make this redevelopment possible.” Minister Hunt said.

State Government today committed nearly $40 Million for the precinct, including $14.7 Million for an 18-bed specialised facility to care for some of the most vulnerable South Australians suffering extreme behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

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 café.” Premier Marshall said.

“Liberal Government has ensured the Repat’s long and important history in this state will continue for years to come.”

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 SDCU’s nationwide and will allow for consolidation of high-quality, specialised dementia care within the Repat site.” Minister Wyatt said.

“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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said strong endorsement for the master plan was received during the public comment phase, and many suggestions, particularly around services to veterans, will be taken on board during the implementation stage.

“This is certainly not the end of the conversation about the Repat but confirmation that we are on the right track with the vision for the site, which will support focussed conversations with potential partners.” Minister Wade said.

“South Australia Health has also received strong interest from non-government organisations (NGO) and private providers interested in partnering to deliver future services at the Repat.”

“South Australia Health is in negotiations to partner with an NGO to deliver what will be the State’s new dementia hub, a dedicated dementia village, including 60 places for people who have complex care needs.” Minister Wade said.

As unveiled in the concept plan for the Repat on 17 February, another part of the precinct is focussed on the provision of surgical procedures and care transition spaces will also be offered at the precinct.

Minister Wade has continued his discussions with veterans’ groups and ex-service personnel and reiterated the Government’s determination to ensure that the Repat Chapel, Remembrance Gardens, Museum and SPF Hall are protected and preserved as community assets for future generations.

Discussions have included opportunities to return veterans’ health services to the site both within the partnership zone and in the heritage buildings and establishing patient accommodation for country veterans who are travelling to Adelaide for treatment.

It’s expected an older person’s mental health team will be on site in the second half of this year while the Tier 7 dementia ward will open in the first half of next year.