The South Australian Government has unveiled new images and detailed plans for the upgraded Mount Barker Hospital, featuring a $320.8 million upgrade that promises enhanced medical facilities and an increased capacity to serve the Adelaide Hills community. These plans were released earlier today, showcasing a modern design that integrates the natural surroundings into the hospital’s architecture to foster a calm environment for patients.
The proposed hospital is designed to substantially expand the capabilities of the current Mount Barker District Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. It will see an increase in bed numbers from 34 to 102 and will feature a range of improved facilities including a larger emergency department which currently saw expansion from five bays to 17 in June last year.
The hospital’s expansion is a response to the mounting needs of one of South Australia’s fastest-growing areas. By 2036, it’s estimated that the region will house over 100,000 residents, marking a growth of more than 25 percent over the next decade. The forthcoming facility aims to meet these increasing demands by tripling the hospital’s capacity and adding new, spacious single patient rooms equipped with private ensuites and additional space for family members.
In addition to the expanded emergency services, the new Mount Barker Hospital will also feature new operating theatres and specialist maternity, paediatric, rehabilitation, medical, surgical, and palliative care beds. Additional services will include expanded chemotherapy and a new 12-bed mental health unit.
“In recognition of the significant population growth in the Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker, we are committed to delivering a hospital that meets the escalating healthcare needs of this community,” stated Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing. “A larger and better-equipped Mount Barker Hospital is vital, and we are focused on fulfilling this key election promise.”
Local Member for Kavel, Dan Cregan, also commented on the development, noting the critical need for upgraded healthcare facilities to support his constituency. “Improving healthcare services for the growing community here has been a major advocacy point for me, and I am gratified to see the progress being made in this regard,” said Cregan.
The CEO of the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, Bronwyn Masters, highlighted the importance of the new hospital for local healthcare provision. “The upgraded hospital is essential for managing the region’s growth effectively. We’re excited to progress and share these new designs which will greatly benefit Mount Barker and its surrounding areas,” Masters remarked.
The South Australian construction firm, Built, has been awarded the contract for the project, with ground preparation expected to commence later this year. The project aims for completion by the end of 2027.
This development is set to relieve pressure on Adelaide’s major metropolitan hospitals by providing high-quality healthcare services closer to home for residents of Mount Barker and the broader Adelaide Hills area.
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