Moving infection unit may compromise patient care in Adelaide

Doctors and nurses are concerned that moving the infectious diseases unit from the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) could harm patient care. They argue that the transition will be inconvenient and could place patients at risk. Unions representing these health workers have taken their concerns to the South Australia Employment Tribunal to challenge the plans before a potential move at the end of April. The infectious diseases unit is important for treating patients with conditions like hepatitis, HIV, and those affected by COVID-19. The Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) wants to relocate the unit to a building across the street at 21 North Terrace, citing space issues at the hospital. During the tribunal hearing, lawyer Simon Blewett explained that when RAH opened in 2017, space was limited. CALHN had previously subleased space in the hospital but decided not to renew it last year, leading to the current relocation plan. Blewett noted that CALHN had initially indicated the unit would not move, but reversed that decision. Concerned doctors and nurses emphasized that separating the unit from the hospital could delay critical care, especially in emergencies. Dr. Renjy Nelson, director of the unit, pointed out that closures or urgent situations often require immediate assistance from specialists in the hospital. On the other side, Anna Wells, representing the government, argued that the decision to move the unit is based on expert judgment and necessary financial considerations. She acknowledged that while the move might be inconvenient, it was considered to have the least clinical risk compared to other units. Wells also stated that CALHN has plans in place to help maintain care quality after the move. She described the process of finding suitable space for health services at RAH as complex, akin to an "enormous Tetris puzzle." The tribunal is expected to continue discussing the case as health officials work to address the concerns raised by medical staff.