Doctors in South Australia are calling on all parties to commit to three clear priorities ahead of the March election: map the state's healthcare gaps, plan the medical workforce properly, and cut red tape that stops doctors working where they're needed.
The SA College Chairs Committee, an alliance of ten medical colleges who together represent the majority of doctors in the state, says while previous reviews have provided valuable insights into specific services or locations, the state lacks a comprehensive health strategy that encompasses all regions, communities and health needs.
Currently, South Australia has no up-to-date map of unmet health needs and service gaps across metropolitan, regional and remote communities, making it impossible to plan properly as the population grows and ages.
Health services are also struggling to fill roles due to workforce shortages, directly affecting patients' access to timely care in the state’s health system. But there's no coordinated statewide plan to align training and recruitment with where communities actually need doctors.
Meanwhile, the current credentialing system forces doctors to repeat the same paperwork for every hospital where they work, creating delays that can take months while patients wait for care.
The alliance is calling on all parties to commit to building a comprehensive vision that drives priorities and investment across the entire state, so that the billions of dollars invested in health delivers the best possible outcomes for the people of South Australia.
Quotes attributable to Dr Patrick Clarke, Chair, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) SA Branch and SA College Chairs Committee:
"The SA Government has made real progress by producing a plan to increase psychiatrist numbers, but people across the state are waiting months for mental health care when they're at their most vulnerable, across Adelaide but especially in our regional, rural and remote communities. We know families are struggling and need to make sure we’re directing our efforts where the gaps are, where help is needed most urgently and where mental health investment would make the biggest difference.”
For media enquiries, contact Dishi Gahlowt [email protected] or +61 437 315 911.
Quotes attributable to Dr Dan Haustead, Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) SA Branch Chair:
“South Australia’s population is getting older and our health needs are getting more complex. These societal and demographic changes are already putting enormous pressure on hospital emergency departments. Having a coordinated state-wide strategy to help guide workforce planning, identify service gaps, and give doctors the flexibility they require so that they can work where they are most needed is fundamental in sustainably tackling these issues.”
For media enquiries, contact Nick Buchan [email protected], +61 481 918 488
Quotes attributable to A/Prof Andrew Lee, Chair, Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), SA
“South Australia needs a sustainable physician workforce to ensure equitable access to high quality healthcare. Physicians and trainee physicians consistently report concerns about workforce shortages, rising clinical workloads, and low levels of doctor wellbeing that potentially affect patient outcomes. The government in office after the election must act to meet patient need, improving physician access, remove barriers to hospital discharge, and focus on preventive health. These are critical steps to boost patient care and preserve SA’s reputation for world-class healthcare.”
For media enquiries, contact Catalina Casar on [email protected] or 0421 547 759.
Quotes attributable to Dr Siân Goodson, Chair, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Board and RACGP South Australia
"There has never been a more important time for the South Australian Government to invest in primary care. Our hospitals and emergency departments are under extreme pressure from an ageing population and rising chronic disease, yet general practice remains the most cost-effective way to reduce preventable hospitalisations. To improve outcomes and reduce overall health costs, innovation is required and General Practice must be central to a statewide strategy to ensure every South Australian has access to world class healthcare, when and where they need it."
For media enquiries, contact Kevin Diggerson +61 413 521 103
Quotes attributable to Dr Nicholas Harrington, Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), SA/NT Regional Committee Chair:
“There is an undersupply of anaesthetists in SA, particularly in regional and rural areas where patients having surgery should have the same access to high-level anaesthesia care as people in metropolitan areas. ANZCA would like to work with whoever forms the next government to remove barriers and provide incentives for trainee anaesthetists to work in regional and rural areas, because we know doctors who train in these areas tend to stay there once qualified.”
For media enquiries, contact Carolyn Jones, ANZCA Media Manager, +61 408 259 369.
Quotes attributable to Dr Nicole Sladden, SA Councillor, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)
“Pathology underpins around 70 per cent of clinical decisions, yet it is often invisible in system-wide planning. South Australia needs a comprehensive health strategy that maps diagnostic demand alongside clinical services, so workforce, infrastructure and digital systems are aligned with real community need. A coordinated, statewide approach is essential to ensure pathology is integrated into planning decisions and to support safe, timely care for patients across metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia.”
For media enquiries, contact Kavita Bowry, +61 438 848 88
Quotes attributable to Dr Stephen Holmes, SA Councillor, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
“Rural and remote healthcare must be a priority this election. South Australians expect equitable access to safe, high-quality care close to home, and that requires clear commitments to Rural Generalist training and properly funded regional health services. The next government has an opportunity to strengthen the rural medical workforce and deliver lasting improvements for patients and communities across SA”
For media enquiries, contact Petrina Smith, +61 414 820 847
Quotes attributable to Dr Magdalena Halt, Councillor, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) SA/NT
“Gender bias remains a persistent blind spot in our health system, shaping what care is prioritised, funded, and accessible. Without a statewide strategy that properly maps need and plans the workforce, women and gender-diverse people are too often left waiting longer or going without essential healthcare altogether. A comprehensive health plan is essential to deliver equitable, timely care for all South Australians, regardless of gender or postcode.”
For media enquiries, contact Bec McPhee [email protected] 0413 258 166.
Quotes attributable to Dr Bernard Carney, Chair, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) South Australia
“In this election campaign we are looking for parties to demonstrate their policies and strategies that will not only meet the requirements of our community over the next four years, but also to demonstrate a longer term plan and vision for generations to come. “We look for clear, effective policy to deliver the nWCH, improve access to and efficiency of surgical services and close health gaps such as rural surgical care.”
For media enquiries, contact Mark Morgan, +61 418 865 760