The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network have announced the trial of an After Hours Nurse-led Clinic to replace the Emergency Department at the Strathalbyn and Districts Health Service. 

The model is the same as the recently introduced service at the Gumeracha Hospital. The service is described as care for people presenting with urgent, non-emergency care needs. You will be assessed by one of the nurses. If support from a doctor is required, the nurse will contact the Mount Barker Priority Care Centre of the SA Virtual Care Service. Medical advice can be provided by phone, and video facilities will be available should the doctor need to do a visual assessment. 

The service will be by appointment only and will be open:

• Monday - Friday: 4pm - 8pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 4pm (not open on public holidays)

Illnesses and injuries that cannot be treated include: 

• Emergency services that are time critical including life-threatening illnesses or injuries  
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Ambulance presentations 
• On-site x-rays and other imaging
• On-site pathology testing
• Suturing and plastering
• Paediatric services for children under 10 years
• Mental health services
• Drug and alcohol services
• Treatment for patients with COVID-19

Mr Pederick said "I believe the proposed model is a severe downgrade from the traditional Accident & Emergency service provided to the residents of Strathalbyn and surrounding districts prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The people of Strathalbyn and the surrounding districts including Langhorne Creek, Milang and Clayton Bay deserve more than a downgraded service."

"This week in Parliament I tabled another 402 signatures on a petition to reinstate the Accident & Emergency service as it was pre Covid-19. This brings the total amount of signatures tabled to 1,854. I believe this is a significant indication of the community's feeling on this issue."