If elected, a Marshall Liberal Government will upgrade the Emergency Department at the Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

The upgrade will comprise a $7 million investment to improve the hospital’s vital services by doubling the number of resuscitation and treatment bays, as well as other significant improvements to the facilities.

“This investment in the hospital’s Emergency Department is well overdue and we are committed to delivering quality health services for the growing population of Murray Bridge,” said State Liberal Leader Steven Marshall.

“Over the last thirty years, the demand for emergency services at the Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital has doubled, threatening the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality services.

“As well as servicing people from Murray Bridge and the surrounding region, the hospital often treats casualties from vehicle accidents, and the ED itself responds to over 6,000 presentations each year.

“The growing population and the completion of The Bend Motorsport Park strengthen the case for an upgrade to the hospital’s Emergency Department.

“The Weatherill Labor Government has failed to address the inadequacies of the current ED despite being aware of the issues for years.”

Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick, has strongly advocated for improvements to country hospitals and for this capital upgrade commitment to the Murray Bridge Emergency Department.

“Planning for an upgrade to the Emergency Department has been underway for at least four years but the Weatherill Labor Government recently rejected the funding proposal,” said Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick.

“The current facilities lack privacy for patients and their families, which can be very distressing for them.

“Confined spaces in the ED can also make it an unsafe environment for patients and staff, particularly with drug-affected patients and patients who have mental health issues.

“All these factors demonstrate that the ED is in desperate need of this investment.

“People in Murray Bridge take great pride in the hospital and they deserve access to emergency services and other health services locally.

“Only a Marshall Liberal Government will deliver quality health care for Murray Bridge and the surrounding areas.”

The State Liberals’ $7 million upgrade will deliver:

• Two resuscitation bays
• Seven treatment bays
• Two procedure rooms
• Two consulting rooms
• Relatives Room
• Waiting Room with airlock