Groundbreaking health developments

Turning the sod on ACH Group’s aged care site within the Playford Health Precinct.

The start of a $40 million development across from the Lyell McEwin Hospital sees further evolution in the health precinct vision. The state-of-the-art residential care home, Healthia, is to be developed by ACH Group and offer educational and employment opportunities for those in the northern suburbs.

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said it was an exciting and innovative residential aged care site. “Healthia will improve the health and lifestyle outcomes for Adelaide’s northern community and reimagine aged care,” Mr Weits said.

The development will include a 96-place residential care home comprising eight small-scale homes, each with 12 private rooms.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the construction of Healthia was an important contributor to the Lyell McEwin Health Precinct. “Council’s vision has always been about making sure we have world class facilities in Playford and we are seeing that with Healthia, the NorthWest development, brand new car park and shops at the Elizabeth Vale Shopping Centre, a new multistorey medical centre and soon to be developed, a private hospital within this precinct,” Mayor Docherty said.

Northern Area Local Health Network CEO Maree Geraghty said Healthia’s location will complement the Lyell McEwin Hospital’s role as a major provider of acute health care in the north. “The establishment of a vibrant health precinct will allow us to increase collaboration with other service providers such as the ACH Group, which in turn will help ease pressure on our hospitals,” Ms Geraghty said.

The University of South Australia will co-locate with a general practice and student-led allied health clinic open to the public. Students will also undertake placement in the residential care home. Health and social services are one of Playford’s largest employment sectors and Healthia is set to create up to 180 jobs during construction and a further 66 ongoing positions.

The construction of Healthia is scheduled to welcome its first residents by June 2023.