Today the SA Government announced the opening of an additional 55 beds at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, for elderly patients. This move is a direct response to challenges posed by the national aged care crisis, with a call for the Federal Government to increase its efforts in resolving these issues.
The inauguration of these beds at the Hampstead facility follows extensive refurbishment works, marking a reversal of prior plans by the former Liberal Government to close them permanently. This initiative is part of a broader 70-bed specialized care and bridging service designed for older South Australians transitioning from hospital care, addressing the acute shortage of federal aged care beds.
The newly introduced Care of the Older Person and Community Transition (CO-ACT) service at Hampstead provides various care options including 50 beds for patients awaiting federal aged care placements and 20 beds catering to low complexity Memory Support Unit patients. This configuration brings a total of 55 new beds into the health system, thanks to the incorporation of some existing services.
South Australia has historically experienced a low vacancy rate in aged care facilities, with a 161 per cent rise in hospital-stuck patients in metropolitan areas from October 2023 to April 2025. Patient care at CO-ACT is holistic, offering multidisciplinary support involving nursing, allied health services, lifestyle programs, and continuous access to medical staff, including geriatricians and GPs.
Premier Peter Malinauskas commented on the urgency and scope of their action, stating, “As a government we are pulling every lever to deliver a bigger health system with more capacity to treat those in need. Today alone we’re delivering 55 extra beds at Hampstead. But the truth is today we also have 241 patients in our hospitals who do not need to be there.” He emphasised the necessity for the Federal Government to engage more effectively in tackling this issue.
Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, highlighted the contrast in approaches between the current and former government, criticising the previous administration’s intentions to sell off key health assets. “This is in stark contrast to the Liberals who wanted to sell off this important health hub and close beds. Right now, there are 241 older patients medically ready for discharge stuck in our hospitals awaiting a Federal residential aged care bed,” Picton said. He also outlined proactive policy proposals aimed at inviting the Federal Government to make substantial changes.
Rachael Kay, Acting CEO of CALHN, shared her satisfaction with the progress made at Hampstead, saying, “We are thrilled that works are now complete at Hampstead, bringing the additional 55 beds to our health system to support older South Australians.” She also noted that the design of the service, featuring a home-like setting and a comprehensive care model, facilitates effective transitions for patients into longer-term care solutions.
The SA government has developed ten policy proposals to enhance the functionality and responsiveness of aged care services, with the aim of engaging the Federal Government in implementing necessary reforms. These proposals cover both funding increases for complex needs and policy reforms to expand the current frameworks governing aged care services.
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