Vertical Medical Centre Revealed for Adelaide’s South

Designs have been revealed for a vertical medical centre in Adelaide’s south.

Early works are due to begin in April on the seven-storey, 98-bed Acute Services Tower at Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, about 13kms from the SA capital’s CBD.

It is is expected to open in 2028 and will form a new entrance to the medical centre.

The block comprises two adult inpatient units with 64 beds, an 18-bed medical day unit and an intensive care unit with 16 beds. 

It will also house four operating theatres, a 14-bay recovery area, a surgery admissions area and a dedicated floor for an eye surgery clinic.

Southern Adelaide Local Health Network chief executive Kerrie Freeman said the new facility would “transform the care offered to patients across southern Adelaide”.

“More clinical spaces means we can see more people faster, reducing the time people need to wait in the emergency department waiting room,” Freeman said.

▲ Bird’s-eye view of the Flinders Medical Centre tower expansion and upgrade.

Minister for health and wellbeing Chris Picton said the project, jointly funded by the state and federal governments, would add 160 extra beds across Flinders and the Repat.

“This year more than 50 beds will open across Flinders and the Repat Health Precinct, with 10 additional acute mental health beds at Margaret Tobin Centre to open next year,” Picton said.

“In addition, we’ve built 20 new beds at Flinders by converting a former office space into a medical ward for patients.”

The Repat Health Precinct at Daw Park is a rehabilitation precinct for people with dementia, mental illness and those with complex needs requiring rehabilitation.