Images: Peter Malinauskas Facebook
Adelaide’s southern suburbs have received a major healthcare upgrade, with the $74 million expansion of Noarlunga Hospital now officially open, the largest redevelopment in the facility’s history.
The transformation adds 48 new beds, increasing the hospital’s capacity by more than 65 per cent, from 92 to 152 beds. The expansion includes a 24-bed Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit and a 24-bed General Medicine Ward, both designed to deliver modern, patient-centred care in a calm, therapeutic environment.
Each new ward features single rooms with ensuites and natural light, with specialist rooms for infectious and bariatric patients. Advanced telehealth technology has been integrated throughout the facility, allowing consultants to provide remote specialist advice and reducing the need for patient transfers to larger hospitals.
The Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit offers spacious therapy and leisure areas, family lounges, and secure outdoor courtyards. The redevelopment also includes additional parking and a new linkway connecting the expansion to the existing hospital.
Cultural design elements pay tribute to the region’s Kaurna heritage, guided by the Southern Redevelopment Aboriginal Stakeholder Reference Group. Indigenous flora and photography by Condell Rustichelli and Brendan Hinton inspired the building’s colour palette and materials, creating a strong sense of place and community connection.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the project represents an important milestone for South Australia’s health system.
“This is a significant milestone in our mission to build a bigger health system. We’ve already been busy delivering doctors, nurses, allied health staff and ambos, and now we are delivering a massive increase in bed numbers in the south of Adelaide, said Peter.
“48 beds – the largest ever expansion of Noarlunga Hospital – forming part of a 65 per cent increase in the hospital’s capacity. This is part of our commitment to deliver 230 beds across the southern suburbs, at Noarlunga, Flinders and the Repat – and part of our broader promise to build 600 beds across the state.”
Health Minister and local MP Chris Picton said the expansion will have a lasting impact on the community.
“I am thrilled as both the Health Minister and local MP to be opening these 48 new beds for our amazing growing southern suburbs’ community,” he said.
“We are boosting Noarlunga Hospital’s bed capacity by more than 65 per cent. Providing these additional acute medical and mental health rehabilitation beds will significantly enhance health care closer to home for residents in the south.”
“These new 48 beds will improve patient flow from the hospital’s ED, while also reducing the need to transfer patients to Flinders Medical Centre.”
Dr Greg Dubuc, Head of the General Medicine Unit at Noarlunga Hospital, said the new development will make a major difference for both patients and staff.
“I’m delighted to see this amazing new Noarlunga Hospital facility completed and ready to welcome patients,” said Greg.
“This brand-new facility increases capacity and enhances the hospital experience for both patients and staff – a fantastic addition to our existing local healthcare services.”
The redevelopment also includes a new SA Pharmacy, improving access to medications and patient support. Locals were invited to tour the facilities at a public open day yesterday, celebrating what marks a major step forward in healthcare delivery for Adelaide’s growing southern region.
For the hospital website, click here.
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