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Joint Media Release

The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing
Minister for Housing and Homelessness
Minister for Social Inclusion
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Leesa Vlahos MP
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier
Assisting the Minister for Health and Ageing
Government of South Australia

5 April 2013

A $6 million state of the art rehabilitation service has been opened today at the Repatriation General Hospital by Federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and South Australian Parliamentary Secretary Leesa Vlahos.

The service, known as 4th Generation Clinics, will integrate teaching and research into a modern clinical service where older people and those with a disability can access a wide range of health professionals in the same location.

Mr Butler said the clinic contains high-tech equipment to assess walking, falling and driving and are equipped with new robotic equipment, video games, simulators and a gait laboratory.

“We can be proud that Adelaide is now home to one of the most advanced rehabilitation facilities in Australia,” Mr Butler said.

“Our ageing population have made it clear they want to remain living healthy and independent lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and that means we need modern facilities that will support people to do that.”

“This facility will also attract high quality workers from around the country who want to work with the latest and best technology and facilities.”

The clinics have been funded by two National Partnership Agreements (NPAs); agreements between the Federal and State Labor governments.

Ms Vlahos said people recovering from any number of injuries need rehabilitation to regain their independence, as well as older people who want to remain living in their home.

“Rehabilitation is often necessary after surgery or a major injury, but it is also important for helping older people who want to maintain their independence,” she said.

“The way rehabilitation services are delivered needs to reflect the needs of the people who are receiving care.

“The integrated model of care which has been developed at 4th Generation Clinics is a prototype for the future and will help more people to live independently in their home.

Funding has also been provided by the Government to embed teaching spaces into 4th Generation Clinics, which will be managed by Flinders University.

Dean of the School of Medicine from Flinders University, Paul Worley, said 4th Generation Clinics will become a much needed resource centre for the future South Australian health workforce, training students from different health disciplines to work together, solving complex health problems of older people and those with disabilities.

“The clinics will increase the number of trainees in the specialty areas of rehabilitation medicine and geriatrics, which are urgently needed to manage the ageing population and people with disabilities,” he said.

For more information contact the Minister’s office on 02 6277 7280