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A surge in public hospital presentations across Adelaide has forced health authorities to develop new strategies to cope with ever-rising demand.
Figures released on Wednesday show 107,000 people presented to major metropolitan hospitals from this month, usually the quieter summer period.
That was higher than the 102,000 presentations during the last year.
It is necessary when the strategy is used, when the resources are deployed, to look at ways to cope with the increasing pressures.
"We know the need for public hospitals is increasing each year and is now year-round," Health Minister Stephen Wade said.
"We treated almost 5000 more patients in the first quarter of this year compared to last winter.
"Facing this reality, we are changing the way we need to treat our patients.
"We need to ensure there is a range of strategies in place to manage peaks in demand, no matter what season or year of the year it is."
Those strategies include the provision of extra beds along with more information to help people avoid a hospital visit and alternative care options.
Mr Wade said the government's approach was extended to long-stay patients with more than 200 patients receiving out-of-hospital care.
About 100 patients have also linked to GP and community services through a pilot program in Adelaide's north.
The government has also opened a 10-bed psychiatric intensive care unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, along with 12 acute care beds at the Noarlunga Hospital.
"All of these programs, combined with the continued work of our dedicated clinicians and staff, will ensure South Australians receive the appropriate care and treatment they need in a timely manner," Mr Wade said.
Australian Associated Press
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