A $2 million investment into the Port Pirie Hospital by the South Australian Government is a welcome boost to regional health services, according to Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP.

Mr Brock said the construction of the new cool room at the hospital and further upgrades, which are currently underway, will provide improvements to the hospital’s electrical system as well a new back-up power generator and will help provide more efficient care to patients.

“The Marshall Liberal Government has said they are committed to improving regional health services and infrastructure through the $140 million Regional Asset Sustainment Fund.

“The fund will significantly improve services and facilities for country hospitals and health infrastructure in the State,” Mr Brock said.

“I agree with Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Director of Corporate Services Paul Fahey, who has also welcomed the funding, and who said the upgrades at the Port Pirie Hospital would ensure people living in the region would continue to access the same high standards of health care as metropolitan patients.”

Mr Brock said a major part of the Port Pirie Hospital upgrade was the assurance that the new back-up generator would make sure vital equipment at the hospital would continue to function in the event of a mains power loss or an emergency event.

All upgrades at the Port Pirie Hospital are expected to be completed in June 2020.