New era on the horizon for Keith hospital

Cloudy future for Keith and District Hospital replaced with clear skies

There is set to be a changing of the guard at the Keith and District Hospital as the medical facility enters a new era of healthcare for the community.

Keith and District Hospital chair Peter Brookman and the board have signed off on a new model of operation that will see the hospital moves under the umbrella of SA Health.

“The hospital board has worked collaboratively with the Local Health Network to develop a healthcare model that is practical, sustainable and to the benefit of the Keith community.,” Mr Brookman(pictured below) said.

“The board is pleased with the thorough consultation with the community that has led to this model and looks forward to facilitating a smooth transition of the service into SA Health.”

The move was instigated by the board and culminates in the delivery of a State Government election commitment with the ultimate aim being the residents of Keith community and surrounds having enhanced access to health care services with this new model of care.

Following extensive community consultation, the State Government will invest its $9.75 million election commitment to facilitate a formal transition to Keith and District Healthcare, delivering more contemporary and sustainable health and aged care services.

This decision followed the Keith and District Hospital Board indicating that the current frailties of the governance and service model are unsustainable, and they have been working proactively in partnership with the Limestone Coast Local Health Network to develop an alternative model.

The Keith and District Healthcare model has received a groundswell of public support from the Keith community. Feedback received from the community last year was used to refine the model to best reflect its needs, and this model was overwhelmingly supported by a large contingent of the community at the Keith and District Hospital Annual General Meeting late last year.

Limestone Coast Local Health Network CEO Ngaire Buchanan said they were looking forward to providing residents of Keith and surrounds access to enhanced healthcare services that will better meet community needs now and into the future.

“The new Keith and District Healthcare will include existing staff, and we are actively recruiting additional staff such as a nurse practitioner, community paramedics and allied health professionals to further bolster the service,” Ms Buchanan said.

“We will start establishing a Keith and District Health Advisory Council, so that those living in the region will always have a say in their community healthcare services.”

Keith and District Healthcare is an innovative service model that is designed to reduce and prevent the need for inpatient care. The service will continue to provide access to urgent care, and it will also be equipped to provide more acute services in the home.

The service will also support the health service’s general practitioner to help the community access primary care and as part of the new model, Keith and District Healthcare will improve access to aged care, allied health, Country Health Connect services, NDIS services, and dedicated telehealth rooms.

Transport options between Keith and District Healthcare and Bordertown Memorial Hospital will also be improved with greater support for SA Ambulance Service volunteers.

South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton said the government was committed to improving healthcare for regional South Australians, and the new Keith and District Healthcare will do just that for those living in the Upper South East.

“The new model of care will also provide opportunities for future workforce development that will include training and student placements, which we hope will ultimately attract more medical professionals to the region,” Minister Picton said.

The Keith aged care facility, Stirling Lodge, has had 26 aged care rooms renovated with all rooms receiving new or updated ensuites. Stirling Lodge also provides modern clinical spaces, a gymnasium, café, hairdresser, and inviting outdoor spaces.

Keith and District Healthcare will be managed by the Limestone Coast Local Health Network, with formal processes now underway with the existing workforce to facilitate the transition as soon as practical.

For Member for Mackillop Nick McBride the decision to adopt this new model ends a five year campaign from the local MP.

“The future of health services and the Keith District Hospital has been a priority for me since my election in 2018,” Mr McBride said.

“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.

“I am pleased that the current Government has supported the hospital and the local community to reach an agreement on this model, which I baelieve 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 reliably be delivered to the community of Keith and its surrounding district.

“This has been a long process, however I am confident the new model will deliver services that will enable medical support for the whole community, now and into the future.”