MEDIA RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

25 January 2022

 Port Pirie Hospital in bad shape while SA Health continues to stall

The safety of staff and patients at the Port Pirie Hospital is being compromised because SA Health has made no move to deal with structural issues within the building, according to Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP.

“I am very disappointed with SA Health, as I have been asking for months for structural reports on the condition of the building, in particular regarding the accident and emergency, X-ray departments and the kitchen areas,” Mr Brock said.

Mr Brock began asking SA Health questions about the hospital and its structural integrity in August last year but has yet to receive any updates on his Freedom of Information applications.

“I do not understand why they are trying to keep these issues a secret. We have asked for this report, while I continue to have grave concerns about the safety of workers on the frontline and visiting specialists who use the equipment at the Port Pirie Regional Health Service, as well as its patients.”

Port Pirie has had a hospital since 1891 and currently provides 24/7 accident and emergency services, as well as comprehensive range of medical and allied health services to the community.

“While I understand the current hospital building, which was built in the 1970s, is safe in the areas where it is mainly being used, some of the building is in need of urgent upgrading,” Mr Brock said.

Mr Brock said he was also worried about the condition of the old Allied Health building on Alexander Street in Port Pirie, where several public servants work for SA Health in what has been reported as severely unsafe conditions.

“I am very appreciative of the announcement by Labor leader Peter Malinauskas, who has promised $12m to upgrade the Port Pirie Hospital Accident and Emergency section of our hospital,” Mr Brock said.

“But we will be in a better position to understand the needs of the facility if we had the information which has currently been denied to me under my Freedom of Information application.

“I have no idea what SA Health are trying so hard to hide. If we had a complete understanding of the issues which need to be addressed, I would be in a better position to further analyse the Opposition’s commitment to the Port Pirie Regional Health Service.”

ENDS