Following a successful sale facilitated by the State Government, the Western Hospital in Henley Beach has been acquired by a consortium of doctors headed by Amplar Health and Seabreeze Healthcare, confirmed Treasurer Stephen Mullighan and Minister for Health & Wellbeing Chris Picton. This acquisition, which includes a rebrand to become the Western Adelaide Private Hospital, aims to ensure continued healthcare services for local residents and alleviate pressure on South Australia’s public health system.
Seabreeze Healthcare and Amplar Health – a constituent of the Medibank Group – have taken over from previous administrators Ernst & Young, to maintain the ongoing operation of the hospital. Since its establishment in 1974, the hospital has provided fifty years of acute surgical and medical care, but has faced significant financial difficulties in recent years, going into voluntary administration in January 2024.
To support the relaunch and the hospital’s ongoing viability, the Malinauskas Government has committed a $3 million grant spread over two years. This funding will assist the hospital in managing a significant load of nearly 4000 elective surgery cases originally meant for the public system over the next three years. In a statement, treasurer Stephen Mullighan highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining the hospital’s operation, not only for locals, but to avoid placing additional pressure upon the shoulders of the broader public health system by closing down a viable location.
The Western Adelaide Private Hospital will continue to focus on short-stay clinical care with services in orthopaedics, ophthalmology, general surgery, and gastroenterology. Health Minister Chris Picton elaborated on the benefits of this venture, saying:
“This is excellent news for private patients in the western suburbs who will be able to receive surgery at their local hospital. Importantly we will also be working with the hospital to use its spare capacity to help reduce public surgery waiting lists. SA Health already works closely with Amplar and Medibank on the delivery of home hospital services, and we now look forward to working closely with them at Western Adelaide Private Hospital to benefit western suburbs residents. “
Additional support for this acquisition has come from Australian Unity, which will continue its long history with the hospital by extending the lease by 20 years. This commitment ensures long-term health provisions for the local community, a pledge that has been matched by the hospital personnel, who have promised to keep their doors open for various services, including the existing imaging services provided by Benson Radiology.
Robert Read, a representative from Medibank Group, acknowledged the historical significance of the hospital to the western suburbs, expressing excitement about advancing healthcare delivery through innovative care models. He said:
“A stronger Western will ensure the community can access innovative care models, both in hospital and while they recover in the comfort of their home, where clinically appropriate. We welcome this opportunity to work alongside SA Health and be part of its progressive approach to healthcare.“
Supporting the transition period, Australian Unity’s General Manager for Healthcare Property, Chris Smith, shared his satisfaction with the lease agreement which promises to enrich community health services for the foreseeable future. He thanked all involved for maintaining operations during the challenging administrative phase.
Ernst & Young, represented by Robyn Duggan, also released a statement marking the successful transfer of ownership. This sale preserves uninterrupted medical services and the ongoing employment of approximately 190 staff. Duggan praised the dedication of the hospital’s staff and expressed gratitude for the substantial financial support from Australian Unity during the interim management period.
The Western Adelaide Private Hospital stands as a revitalised healthcare facility ready to serve the South Australian community under new leadership. This development aligns with the State Government’s broader initiatives to enhance healthcare infrastructure in the western suburbs, including the expansion of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the construction of new healthcare facilities like the BRIGHT hospital avoidance centre in Woodville.
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