A new 20-bed unit will open at Lyell McEwin Hospital on Monday, aimed at freeing up hospital beds and easing pressure on emergency departments across Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
The temporary Older Adults Supportive Interim Stay (OASIS) Unit will care for older patients who no longer need acute hospital treatment but are waiting for aged care placements or other longer-term care arrangements.
According to the State Government, 106 patients across Lyell McEwin and Modbury hospitals are currently waiting for aged care placements, occupying the equivalent of four hospital wards.
That figure has risen significantly over the past year, from 35 patients in November 2025 to 65 in June and 106 this month.
The new unit has been designed to provide a more home-like environment than a traditional hospital ward, helping patients maintain their physical function and wellbeing while they wait to move into their next stage of care.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Blair Boyer said delayed discharges were contributing significantly to capacity pressures across Adelaide’s northern hospitals.
“One of the biggest challenges facing our hospitals is the number of patients who are ready to leave hospital but remain in a bed while awaiting aged care placements or other discharge arrangements,” Minister Boyer said.
“With more than 100 patients currently waiting for aged care placements across Lyell McEwin and Modbury hospitals, this new OASIS Unit will provide appropriate care for older South Australians while freeing up beds for patients who need acute treatment.”
The measure comes amid ongoing concerns about pressure at Lyell McEwin Hospital’s emergency department. SafeWork SA currently lists a SASMOA notice relating to the Lyell McEwin Hospital Emergency Department.
Other measures being introduced include allowing direct admissions to hospital wards where clinically appropriate, greater coordination through the State Command Centre and Network Operations Centre, increased oversight of patient flow and additional overnight medical staff.
The recently opened Northern Mental Health Crisis Centre is also intended to provide another pathway for medically stable mental health patients who may otherwise remain in emergency departments.
The OASIS Unit is expected to free up ward space across both Lyell McEwin and Modbury hospitals for patients requiring acute care.
