Keith Hospital now officially part of the SA Health family

“We’re thrilled to see the positive impact the introduction of the healthcare model is having on the community so far. This transition for Keith and District Hospital means that so many more in the Upper South East community will have access to an improved model of care well into the future.”

That is the early assessment of Limestone Coast Local Health Network acting chief executive officer Angela Miller as Keith and District Healthcare was formally launched last Wednesday, ending decades of uncertainty for the community.

The new public healthcare model – which was endorsed by the community after extensive consultation – means the formerly Keith and District Hospital, has officially joined SA Health and the Limestone Coast Local Health Network.

Keith and District Healthcare will reduce and prevent the need for inpatient care – by introducing a community paramedic and a nurse practitioner – while retaining and expanding services such as allied health, aged care, National Disability Insurance Scheme services and dedicated telehealth rooms.

These roles, along with the wider healthcare services, will complement the existing general practitioner role, with the nurse practitioner able to perform physical assessments, order diagnostic tests and prescribe specific medication.

South Australian Minister for Health Chris Picton said the government was delighted that they had have been able to secure the future of healthcare in Keith, giving the community certainty going forward. “By bringing Keith services into the public health system, we end the threat of closure and can support services across the network of Limestone Coast Services,” Minister Picton said.

“This new model of care will not only better serve the community with expanded services but will provide new opportunities for future workforce development that will include training and student placements, which we hope will ultimately attract more medical professionals to the region.”

One of the two community paramedics have already commenced their role and are actively servicing the area, supported by a nurse practitioner.

Existing Hospital Board members will formally transfer to the newly created Keith and District Health Advisory Council to maintain advocacy and continuity for the community.

The new healthcare model was designed following extensive community consultation and was supported by the residents of Keith and surrounding districts at the Keith and District Hospital AGM last year.

As a Limestone Coast resident and Minister for Regional Development, I understand the importance of providing quality healthcare services in regional South Australia.

This is especially vital in the Limestone Coast, which is why this new sustainable model of care in Keith is welcome for residents now and into the future.

South Australian Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven MLC said as a Limestone Coast resident she understood the importance of providing quality healthcare services in regional South Australia. “This is especially vital in the Limestone Coast, which is why this new sustainable model of care in Keith is welcome for residents now and into the future,” Minister Scriven said. Member for Mackillop Nick McBride (pipctured) also welcomed the latest development for health services and the Keith and District Hospital.

“I have worked with successive governments, the Keith Hospital Board and the Limestone Coast Local Health Network to find a health model that is sustainable for the community,” Mr McBride said.

“I am pleased the current Government has supported the hospital and the local community to reach an agreement on this model, which I believe will modernise the way health care is delivered in the Keith community. I believe the Health Hub Model is recognition of the need for a change to the way health services can be reliable delivered to the community of Keith and surrounding district.”