THE State Government decision to scrap an infrastructure project at Millicent and District Hospital due to cost factors has been met with outrage by the Opposition and is contrary to its own long-term plan.
Back in 2017, large new water tanks and pipes and pumps were installed as part of a fire systems upgrade.
A number of car parks were lost as a result and tenders were called to build a new car park to cover this loss.
However, Millicent Hospital acting executive officer/director of nursing Michelle Galli said the car park will not be built.
“After careful consideration the decision was made not to go ahead with building the hospital car park, given the significant cost impact to the hospital,” Ms Galli said.
“We are committed to our staff safety and ensure car parks for night shift staff are available in a well lit area.”
The lack of parking at Millicent Hospital has long been a problem with around 30 vehicles parked randomly in the grounds and roadsides when The South Eastern Times called by at 10am on Friday.
The decision to scrap the car project has been lamented by Opposition Upper House deputy leader Clare Scriven.
“The Labor Opposition is concerned the important project has now been scrapped, apparently to save money,” Ms Scriven said.
“We know the tender was issued for this car park, but now it seems to have been stopped.
“Car parking is vitally important for residents and staff for ease of access to the hospital and it is important they do not have to park in surrounding streets instead.
“The Liberals said they would invest more in the South East, but now we find out that this important investment at Millicent Hospital is not going ahead”.
Her views have been shared by Shadow Health Minister Chris Picton.
“Increased car parking is part of the Millicent Hospital 10-year Local Health Service Plan,” Mr Picton said.
“It seems the Liberals want to take votes from the SE for granted – and now they are in government they’re going back on a tender for an important hospital upgrade.”
“Health Minister Stephen Wade should explain to the people of Millicent why he will not progress the important upgrade to the hospital car park and listen to community concerns on this issue.”
The decision to scrap the car park has disappointed Nan Sapiatzer who stepped down from health administration in 2017 after more than 25 years of voluntary service to the Millicent Hospital Board and its Health Advisory Council.
“The HAC supported the new fire management system as it had to happen for safety’s sake,” Ms Sapiatzer said.
“We were promised car parking.
“We need more car parks and that is for sure.
“I do not think the new car park should be forgotten about.
“It is something the new regional board should follow up.”
Millicent and Surrounds Health Support Group chairman John Andre AM said his group did not have a view on the car park issue.
Millicent Health Advisory Council chair Jenn Syme also would not be drawn on the issue.
“Country Health SA will change on July 1 and cease to exist in its current entity and many details pertaining to its current status may be being tidied up,” Ms Syme said.
“Like all government projects we await current estimate funds and with a new Liberal Government and changes to regional boards on July 1 we expect changes to occur.
“To say the car park was abandoned or placed into later estimates, yes it was by the previous Labor Government.
“We await to see what occurs with a new Liberal Government and the planning of the new regional board once it is set up on July 1.
“I see no reason to criticise at this point in time, it is too late for that.”
In a statement, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said the decision was a “financial one” made by Country Health SA and the hospital.
“I understand the installation of the water tanks only resulted in the loss of approximately five car parking spots,” he said.
“I am told there are other car parking options, on or near the site, including for afternoon and night shift employees.”
“It is up to Country Health SA and the Millicent Hospital to determine its spending priorities.”
The South Eastern Times has sought comment on the car park project from the two chief unions representing the hospital’s 150 employees: United Voice and the Australian Nurses and Midwifery Federation.
A spokesperson for Mr Wade said it was an operational matter and comment should come from SA Health.
